Orthodox Jews believe in one God and see themselves as His chosen people, believing the Bible and Talmud to be divinely inspired texts.
Lakewood’s Orthodox community is hoping to emulate what Simcha Felder achieved in New York by electing its own Democratic Assembly member in Lakewood’s 30th district – hoping Avi Schnall, Director of Agudath Israel of America’s state office will become its representative.
1. The Synagogue
At Lakewood, I had the incredible experience of sharing Shabbat with more than eighty college students from different backgrounds and cities – yet all coming together to experience one extraordinary Shabbat!
Each student was paired with a local Lakewood resident as their mentor for the week, receiving intensive Talmud study each morning at Beis Midrash as well as engaging shiurim from community leaders. By weekend’s end, these relationships had blossomed into family bonds.
All week I was exposed to Hasidic Jewish life through music and stories of its participants from generations past, both of which provided me with insights into this fulfilling and meaningful lifestyle.
Last week provided me with great optimism for the future of Orthodox Jews, as it became clear to me that there is a younger generation eager and ready to embrace Orthodoxy. It has been wonderful watching their progression over time, and I look forward to watching what unfolds over time.
2. The Yeshiva
Lakewood, once known for its large WASPy summer resort population, now hosts one of the nation’s largest Jewish communities with numerous elaborate but affordable wedding halls, religious elementary and secondary schools and stores offering modest clothing, sheitels (wigs for religious women) and fine china products.
There have also been an increase in kosher restaurants and food stores, along with an influx of haberdashery and dressmaking shops. Furthermore, this surge has brought new housing developments populated with townhouses and multifamily dwellings, leading to tensions over overdevelopment and rising living costs.
Lakewood’s Orthodox population is also an economic force and one of the premier study destinations for young men. Lakewood Township is home to Beth Medrash Govoha, the country’s biggest yeshiva that has attracted over 7,000 students since opening its doors in 1943; this institution has helped transform Lakewood into a place where Jewish learning takes on equal importance as work in Lakewood’s culture. Furthermore, Lakewood Orthodox has exerted significant influence in local politics by installing candidates who support its interests on school boards, township committees, zoning boards etc.
3. The Community
The majority-Orthodox township of Beth Medrash Govoha provides an accurate representation of modern New Jersey with its sprawling development along Routes 9 and 88. At its core lies Beth Medrash Govoha, which draws in young men looking for marriageable age study opportunities with strict observance to Jewish law as their goal.
Lakewood serves as a microcosm of California itself, with high poverty rates and an unusually large share of residents receiving Medicaid assistance; 29 times more families receive government assistance in Lakewood than across the entire state average, including over half its children.
And yet despite it all, the community thrives. Its people are adept at navigating the intricate webs of local and state governments; they know how to secure Section 8 housing and WIC (Women Infants and Children food assistance program); vote together; use their power effectively – these traits have spread into Jackson and Toms River towns that have seen large influxes of Orthodox Jews that raise issues around overdevelopment alongside concerns for budgets for public schools that must provide buses twice daily for yeshiva students who must ride buses twice daily; these qualities have spread into Jackson and Toms River towns that have seen large influxes of Orthodox Jews with similar communities showing similar strengths in governance despite any challenges faced there
4. The Food
At my visit, BMG students were immersed in an intensive weeklong program featuring daily Talmud study and insightful shiurim — Jewish learning sessions. They enjoyed meals together at Beis Midrash before spending Shabbos with local families who showed great hospitality towards them.
Lakewood, like other towns that have experienced an influx of Orthodox Jews, faces multiple issues surrounding overdevelopment and school funding. Residents who are elected to township committees or zoning boards tend to hold ultra-Orthodox views, often voting together in favor of candidates who share those views.
Clifton Avenue, the main drag in town, features clothing shops that cater to an Orthodox clientele. At “His Place,” an Orthodox men’s and boys’ store owned by Gedalia Tomor, sales staff work quickly to fit customers with suits in shades of navy blue, black and dark gray from “His Place.” Additionally, sheitels for religious women can also be found here as there is also a section specifically dedicated to these. Additionally, gemachs – or charities in short – exist throughout town that provide everything from coffee urns to maternity dresses!
5. The People
As soon as a rabbi fled Nazi-occupied Lithuania to establish Beth Medrash Govoha yeshiva in Lakewood in 1944, he initiated the growth of an Orthodox Jewish community that has significantly transformed Lakewood since then. Today, this suburb of 100,000 people boasts one of the largest ultra-Orthodox communities outside Israel as well as significant financial burdens related to rapid population growth which often conflict with municipal budgeting restrictions.
Town boasts one of the highest Medicaid enrollment rates in New Jersey and in June, the state controller identified a case in which an observant family was accused of falsifying income claims in order to qualify for government benefits. After their arrest was announced, raids and arrests ensued, further fanning hostility toward an insular minority group.
As in other communities that have seen sudden surges of religiously observant Jews in New Jersey, Cranbury has attempted to enhance its reputation by hosting outreach programs between police and residents such as Bagels, Lox & Cops or public programs offering advice for ultra-Orthodox families on staying within Section 8 rent subsidies or WIC (Women Infants and Children) food assistance grants – but strains remain.
