A rabbi in Ocean County is being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her when she came to him for financial help, then defamed her on a website and in fliers he posted near her children’s school.
New Jersey
Late-summer NJ weather perfect for outdoor fall activities. Here’s a list of things to do
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Corn mazes opening on many NJ farms
Corn mazes, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and more fun activities coming this fall to New Jersey’s agri-tourism farms.
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
The calendar says it’s still summer, but the weekend weather outlook is perfect for fall activities from football to apple picking and journeys through corn mazes cropping up across the Garden State.
But with rain on the way, get your outdoor kicks in while you can.
Temperatures in North Jersey will elevate to the comfortable low 80s Saturday and Sunday, says Amanda Lee, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, covering the entire state.
“The weather is going to be nice there, at least through Monday,” Lee said. “Dry conditions are expected, relatively warm temperatures.
Story continues below photo gallery.
With the chance of a low-pressure system forming off the Southeast coast of the United States, temperatures will begin to cool a bit on Monday “and the chance of showers looks to increase on Wednesday and Thursday,” Lee said.
Periods of rain are forecasted, and possibly a midweek thundershower, but no significant weather events are expected throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the Rutgers University football team is off this week, but the weekend weather is perfect for your local high school teams to hit the gridiron, soccer pitch or cross-country course. Weekend hikers can also enjoy a final excursion before the fall colors begin to transform the landscape.
Elsewhere, the Jersey Shore season may be winding down, but it’s the busiest time of the year for New Jersey’s many agri-tourism farms. Apple-picking orchards and corn mazes are open for business across the state.
Below are some New Jersey fall activities to take advantage of during warm weather:
Apple-picking in New Jersey
If April showers bring May flowers, then August showers bring apples — because, in just a few weeks, fall’s most a-peel-ing fruit is going to be back on the Jersey farm scene.
From Mcintosh to gala, ruby red beauties will be bursting from the branches of trees across the state; waiting patiently to be turned into pies, crisps or warm mulled cider by those who pick them.
Check out our story on apple-picking spots throughout the state here.
Corn mazes in New Jersey
While pumpkin picking and hayrides are fun fall activities, there’s just nothing like kicking off the season by getting lost in the trails of a corn maze. And considering New Jersey is the Garden State, there are plenty of farms operating their own variation of this classic fall attraction.
Between corn mazes that are 10 acres in size, those that are themed after beloved country singers or iconic cartoon figures and ones where you play games along the way, you’re bound to get a new experience with every place you visit.
Click here to find some of New Jersey’s best corn mazes.
New Jersey fall bucket list items
It’s almost time to put on our sweaters, cozy up under our blankets and enjoy those pumpkin-flavored drinks without shame. And it’s almost time to partake in all of the classic fall activities.
There’s so many ways to spend the season in North Jersey. Between apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, festivals and more, there’s an endless supply of options.
Click here for the 10 things to add to your fall bucket list to make the most of this year’s fall season.
Craft events, fairs and other things to do in New Jersey this fall
There’s nothing like fall in the Garden State.
From craft fairs and farm festivals to carnivals and Oktoberfest celebrations, there are an abundance of ways to ring in the new season right here in North Jersey.
Here is a list of local fall celebrations taking place across North Jersey throughout September and October.
Best New Jersey farms to visit this fall
It’s time to reap what the Garden State has sown. September is a prime month in New Jersey to visit your local farm or farm stand (or farmers market) and pick up a bounty of fruits and vegetables, herbs, meats, cheeses and items made from our local goods.
Click here for a handy list of farm stands in North Jersey and on-site farm markets you oughta visit this harvest season (until early October), either to pick up groceries, grab a quick bite or attend a seasonal on-farm event.
See the Roxbury warehouse scouted by ICE as possible deportation site
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in Roxbury recently apparently scouting a Rt. 46 warehouse as a possible migrant deportation facility.
Federal officials are considering abandoning plans for a controversial immigration detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey, according to a June 18 report by The New York Times, prompting local leaders and state officials to declare a victory after months of legal and political opposition.
The proposed facility, a warehouse property purchased to serve as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, faced intense criticism from local residents, environmental advocates and elected officials who argued the site was unsuitable for housing detainees.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the Department of Homeland Security appeared to be backing away from the project following legal challenges that halted development.
“Today the New York Times is reporting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is backing down on its mass detention center in Roxbury,” the statement said. “That is a big win for public safety, for the township of Roxbury, and for New Jersey.”
According to the Times report, the Roxbury facility is one of seven ICE is planning to dispense with by transferring ownership to other federal agencies or selling them.
Opponents argued the warehouse was designed as a logistics facility and lacked the infrastructure necessary to support a large detention center. They also raised concerns about the potential strain on local water and sewage systems and the impact on environmentally sensitive land surrounding the site.
State officials said they joined Roxbury Township in court to challenge the project, contending that federal plans violated local regulations and posed risks to the community.
“DHS’s plans were always illegal,” the statement said. “The Roxbury warehouse is a logistics center fit for packages, not thousands of people.”
Rep. Rob Menendez said in a statement on Thursday: “We are working to confirm reporting that ICE is abandoning its Roxbury warehouse plans, but if true, this would be big news. From day one, we have fought to stop this facility, bringing together thousands of New Jerseyans in opposition. Now we are on the cusp of an important win for our state.”
The detention center was expected to become part of the federal government’s broader immigration enforcement and detention network. However, the project became a flashpoint in New Jersey, drawing opposition from both local officials and residents concerned about public safety, environmental impacts and the facility’s compatibility with surrounding land uses.
Federal officials have not publicly confirmed whether the property will be sold or formally removed from consideration. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the reported change in plans.
Opponents vowed to continue monitoring the situation until the project is officially terminated.
“This isn’t a partisan issue,” the statement said. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the Roxbury community as we keep DHS’s feet to the fire to ensure this facility is never opened.”
New Jersey
NJ rabbi faces lawsuit for sexual assault after giving financial aid | The Jerusalem Post
Avraham Appel, of Jackson, abused his position as a trusted community leader to sexually assault and exploit the woman, an Israeli immigrant who came to him as a single mother struggling to pay bills, according to the lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Ocean County.
Appel is a prominent rabbi and Rosh Kollel, or head of a Jewish institute for advanced Talmudic study, who is based in Lakewood and Jackson, according to court papers filed January 5.
Appel did not respond to calls to his home and cellphone seeking comment on the lawsuit.
The woman claims she confided in one of her children’s schoolteachers in early 2020 that she was in significant financial distress and having trouble paying for daycare.
The teacher suggested she contact Appel, according to the suit.
In February 2020, Appel arranged to meet with the woman at a local Starbucks.
“During that meeting, Appel presented himself to (the woman) as a rabbi, mentor, advisor, and friend whom (the woman) could trust, confide in, and depend on,” the lawsuit states.
Appel, who had experience in real estate, allegedly offered the woman an opportunity to solicit investments on his behalf and to “draw,” or advance, money against future commissions.
Rabbi issues payments to woman after alleged sexual assault
In June and July 2022, Appel issued six payments to the woman, totaling $20,000 and characterized as advances or loans. He also provided the woman with “financial assistance” so she could buy groceries and pay medical expenses and water bills, according to the suit.
The lawsuit claims most of the money was meant to buy the woman’s silence after he attacked her on June 1, 2022.
The suit alleges Appel visited the woman while she was alone at home and sexually assaulted her as she pleaded for him to stop.
“Appel was abusive and unrelenting. The more (the woman) pled for mercy, the more aggressive Appel became,” the suit alleges.
Before leaving her home, he allegedly ordered her to delete Ring camera footage that showed him arriving.
In the months after the assault, Appel “forced himself upon” the woman and took sexual advantage of her on other occasions, the suit claims.
Appel also allegedly bombarded the woman with demands for sexual acts and sent her a barrage of text and WhatsApp messages containing crude and graphic sexual content.
“I want to squeeze your breasts,” one text allegedly said. In another, he sent the woman a photo of his penis, the suit alleges.
In July 2024, the woman met with another rabbi and shared evidence of the sexual assault and “other incidents involving Appel,” the suit claims.
Woman offered $50,000 for therapy after sexual assault
Appel later contacted his attorney and the two offered the woman $50,000 to cover her future therapy expenses.
The money would be available only if the woman signed a release of any claims related to the assault and agreed to keep all incidents between them confidential, according to the suit.
The woman refused to accept the money or sign the agreement, the suit says.
Appel then launched a campaign to destroy the woman “personally and professionally,” according to the lawsuit.
On December 15, 2025, the woman became aware of a website with her photos that claimed she was “a danger to all Jews,” and warned the public to stay away from her, according to the complaint.
The website disclosed the woman’s address, claimed she stole money, and characterized her as a “thief.”
Moreover, Appel and possibly others posted signs smearing the woman. The signs were posted at public locations throughout the community, including the school her two children attended, the suit alleges.
The lawsuit claims sexual assault, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and conspiracy.
The complaint also alleges Appel breached his duty as a rabbi to conduct himself with loyalty and in good faith.
A shooting investigation in Camden County has prompted a large police response, according to a source.
Léelo en español aquí
The shooting unfolded in the area of Locust Court in Winslow Township in the evening of June 17.
SkyForce10 was over the scene of what looked like a residential complex as several police cars were visible lining the streets.
Police tape appeared to be blocking off the area as officers looked at a sedan that appeared to have crashed into another car.
No word yet on what led to the shooting or if anyone was hurt.
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