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A much-anticipated bein hazemanim concert for bochurim in Carteret, New Jersey, was abruptly shut down tonight after police intervened over several concerns, including alleged vaping or smoking inside the venue and overcrowding.

The event, held at the Carteret Performing Arts Center, drew a large turnout of bochurim eager to attend what had been billed as an uplifting evening of music and chizuk during bein hazemanim.

The concert, for men only, was organized in memory of Dovi Steinmetz, the beloved son of R’ Shloime Steinmetz, and had generated significant excitement in the weeks leading up to it.

Featuring a lineup of well-known Jewish music performers, the program included Yidi Bialostozky, Shloime Daskal, Joey Newcomb, and Chaim Horowitz, accompanied by the Shea Kaller band. In addition, surprise appearances were planned, including singer Levi Falkowitz.

The evening began smoothly, with spirited singing and an energized atmosphere inside the hall. However, as the program progressed, police were called to the scene due to alleged overcrowding outside, and the situation soon escalated. Law enforcement then entered the building and ordered the event to be shut down. Officials reportedly cited safety concerns, including overcrowding of the exits, which they said were a fire hazard, and allegations of vaping or smoking taking place inside the venue.

The shutdown came just as Levi Falkowitz had taken the stage.

Witnesses describe confusion and frustration as organizers and attendees attempted to understand the sudden decision. Many bochurim were forced to disperse from both inside the venue and the surrounding area as police tried to clear the scene, but many bochurim had gathered to sing in unison in the venue’s lobby.

Organizers had intended the evening to serve as both a musical experience and a meaningful tribute. Instead, the night ended prematurely, leaving many participants disappointed.

{Matzav.com}

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A video circulating widely in recent days, showing a non-Jew involved in multiple stages of matzah production, has prompted renewed discussion and concern regarding the kashrus standards of certain matzah bakeries as Pesach approaches.

The clip, which has been shared across various platforms, appears to show a goy actively participating in the matzah baking process—from rolling the dough to perforating it and even handling the baking phase in the oven. For many viewers, the footage has raised serious questions about oversight, halachic integrity, and whether proper standards are being maintained in all facilities.

At the heart of the concern is a long-standing and deeply rooted principle in halacha: the preference—and in many cases, requirement—that the preparation of matzah, particularly matzah shemurah, be performed by Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos who are knowledgeable and careful about the halachos involved.

Matzah baking is not a simple baking process. From the moment water comes into contact with flour, a strict time limit—generally understood to be 18 minutes—begins, within which the dough must be fully prepared and baked to avoid any possibility of chametz. This requires constant vigilance, awareness, and adherence to detailed halachic procedures.

Those who are Shomrei Torah u’mitzvos approach this process with the necessary seriousness, recognizing that even a small lapse—delays, improper handling, or lack of attention—can render the matzah invalid for Pesach use.

Additionally, many have the custom to verbalize l’sheim matzas mitzvah—that the matzah is being made for the sake of the mitzvah—particularly when producing matzah intended for the Seder. This intent, according to many authorities, must come from a Jew who is obligated in mitzvos.

It should be noted that reputable matzah bakeries operate under strict rabbinic supervision, with mashgichim present to oversee every aspect of production. In some cases, non-Jewish workers may be involved in peripheral roles, but the critical stages—especially those directly affecting the dough and baking—are typically reserved for Jewish workers who are trained and observant.

The emergence of this video has prompted questions about certifications and the standards upheld by different producers.

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{Matzav.com}

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