(Left to right) Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, |
In the last decade, efforts were made to find a suitable property in an area that is conducive to young families and growth. The Synagogue Board searched and it was a unanimous decision to move to the Wayside area of Ocean Township, as this was the choice area for young couples and families, and it was an area that did not have any Jewish Synagogue presence. A Minyan and Hebrew School were formed, and has been meeting regularly in the Hillel School on Deal Rd. Over the years, many of the Shul officers endeavored to find the right property that would satisfy the needs of the Shul family, and comply with municipal zoning regulations.
After a number of years, the Synagogues spiritual leader, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach approached the Mayor of Ocean Township, Bill Larkin and requested his assistance. The Mayor traveled the Township with the Rabbi numerous times. Finally, the Mayor said to the Rabbi, "the solution is right in your back yard."
Standing left to right, (first row) Rabbi Mendel Greenberg, |
The Mayor felt that the correct place for the Synagogue would be on Poplar Place, adjacent to the Hillel School. The Chairman Morris Franco, and the Board of Trustees of the Hillel School, agreed to the concept and a contract was drawn.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Friday, Nov. 27th and construction is now underway for a 15,000 square foot complex featuring a Synagogue, classrooms, social hall, kosher kitchen, offices, and a Women's Mikvah.
At the Groundbreaking Ceremony, a small miracle occurred. One of the invited guests, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow arrived, and was talking with Rabbi Yosef Carlebach. She related how she had once been in the Hillel School when it was still located on Comstock St. in Asbury Park. The rabbi was surprised to hear that the freeholder-director was in the Hillel School as a student and that she had learned to "davven and do mitzvos". (Standing at construction site, Donald Epstein, Danny Kahane, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, and Rick Schottenfeld
Upon further discussion, it turned out that Barbara's parents were leading members of the congregation in the fifties. Rabbi Carlebach said that during the past night he discovered an old book in his study that he had never seen before. The book contained Synagogue Bulletins from the fifties. Upon opening the book, the freeholder-director and the rabbi were stunned to immediately find the names of her parents prominently listed.
More than one hundred fifty members and supporters of the Shul were present to see the Groundbreaking and hear words of inspiration from Mayor Bill Larkin, Brian Goot, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Danny Kahane, and Donald Epstein. A special presentation was made to Rick and Robin Schottenfeld for their friendship and support in the naming of the Main Synagogue, the Schottenfeld-Feingold Shul.
The new Congregation Sons of Israel - Chabad invites the entire community to visit and enjoy any of its prayer services, and educational programs. For further info, for new membership, or to get Building Dedication opportunities, please call Rabbi Yosef Carlebach or Brian Goot at 732-896-0770 or rabbi@shulwayside.org
4:14 PM in New Brunswick, NJ
Shabbat Ends 5:17 PM
Friday, 13 Dec 2024
Parashat