{{Short description|Synagogue in New Jersey, United States}} {{redirect|Congregation Agudath Achim Anshai|similarly named congregations|Agudas Achim (disambiguation){{!}}Agudas Achim}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox religious building | building_name = Freehold Jewish Center;<br>Congregation Agudath Achim | infobox_width = | image = Freehold Jewish Center Congregation.png | image_upright = 1.4 | alt = Front exterior of the Freehold Jewish Center | caption = [[Façade]] of the Freehold Jewish Center | map_type = New Jersey | map_size = 250 | map_relief = 1 | map_caption = Location in [[New Jersey]] | location = 59 Broad Street, [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold Borough]], [[New Jersey]] | geo = {{coord|40.258716|-74.279894|region:US-NJ_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | religious_affiliation = [[Judaism]] | rite = [[Non-denominational Judaism|Traditional-Unaffiliated]] | region = | state = | province = | territory = | prefecture = | sector = | district = | cercle = | municipality = | consecration_year = | status = [[Synagogue]] | functional_status = Active | heritage_designation = | leadership = {{ubl|Rabbi Andrew Schultz}} | website = {{URL|freeholdjc.org}} | architecture =yes | architect = | architecture_type = | architecture_style = | general_contractor = | facade_direction = | established = 1911 {{small|(as a congregation)}} | groundbreaking = 1947 | year_completed = {{ubl|1916 {{small|(First Street)}}|1957 {{small|(Broad Street)}}}} | construction_cost = | specifications = | capacity = | length = | width = | width_nave = | height_max = | dome_quantity = | dome_height_outer = | dome_height_inner = | dome_dia_outer = | dome_dia_inner = | minaret_quantity = | minaret_height = | spire_quantity = | spire_height = | materials = | nrhp = | added = | refnum = | designated = | footnotes = <ref name="gmnews2006"/> }} The '''Freehold Jewish Center''', also referred to as "'''Congregation Agudath Achim'''", is an [[Non-denominational Judaism|traditional-unaffiliated]] [[Jewish]] congregation and [[synagogue]], located in [[Freehold Borough, New Jersey|Freehold]], [[New Jersey]], in the United States. The congregation was founded in 1911 and it completed its first synagogue building by 1916, and its current building in 1957, with an additions to the current building completed in 1973.
Eli Fishman was the congregation's [[rabbi]] from 1970 to 1997. He was succeeded by Kenneth Greene, who served for 13 years. As of January 2025, the Rabbi is Andrew Schultz, and the president is Jeffrey Malkin.
The synagogue hosts weekly Shabbat services on both Friday night and Shabbat morning. Weekday services take place on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, as well as all Jewish and Federal holidays. Several Torah classes are offered.
The synagogue utilizes the Artscroll Nusach-Ashkenaz Siddur and the Artscroll Stone Chumash.
==History==
===Early history=== In July 1911, a charter was drawn up for the formation of an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] synagogue named '''Congregation Agudath Achim Anshai'''.<ref name="gmnews2006"/><ref name="gmnews1">{{cite news|url=http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2010-11-03/Front_Page/Freehold_temple_celebrates_its_place_in_local_hist.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323021631/http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2010-11-03/Front_Page/Freehold_temple_celebrates_its_place_in_local_hist.html |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |title=Freehold temple celebrates its place in local history |work=News Transcript |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=April 2, 2016}}</ref><ref name="pqarchiver2006"/><ref name="njjewishnews1">{{cite news |url=http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/061506/moFreeholdCenter.html |title=Freehold Center celebrates 95 years |work=NJ Jewish News |date=June 15, 2006 |author=Jill Huber |access-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402223058/http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/061506/moFreeholdCenter.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many of the founders had immigrated to the United States from [[History of the Jews in Russia|Russia]] and [[History of the Jews in Poland|Poland]].<ref name="gmnews2006"/><ref name="gmnews1"/> Raphael Riemer, who immigrated to Freehold from Russia in 1906, was the synagogue's first rabbi and cantor.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> Louis Finegold, a local merchant, was the first President of the synagogue.<ref name="gmnews2006"/><ref name="pqarchiver2006"/> In 1911, the synagogue had a membership of 40 families.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/>
The synagogue was first built at a land and construction cost of approximately $1,000, as a {{convert|32|x|50|ft}}<ref name="njjewishnews2">{{cite news |url=http://njjewishnews.com/article/monmouth/shul-celebrates-century-of-tradition-and-caring |title=Shul celebrates century of 'tradition and caring' |work=New Jersey Jewish News |date=December 6, 2010 |author=Jill Garbi |access-date=September 27, 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref name="freehold1">{{cite web |url=http://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/around_freehold/history/hist_religion_in_twp_4.asp |title=Freehold Township: History of Religions in Freehold Township |publisher=Twp.freehold.nj.us |access-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008182928/http://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/around_freehold/history/hist_religion_in_twp_4.asp |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> wooden structure on the corner of First Street and Center Street in Freehold between 1911 and 1916, by the Freehold Hebrew Association, which had been established in 1894.<ref name="gmnews2006">{{cite news|url=http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2006-06-21/Front_Page/107.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323021602/http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2006-06-21/Front_Page/107.html |archive-date=March 23, 2012|title=Temple to mark 95 years of life with dinner-dance |work=News Transcript |date=June 21, 2006 |author= Dick Metzgar|access-date=April 2, 2016}}</ref><ref name="pqarchiver2006">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1766603831.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+26%2C+2006&author=ALISON+HERGET&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Synagogue+celebrates+community&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108051058/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1766603831.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+26,+2006&author=ALISON+HERGET&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Synagogue+celebrates+community&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |title=Synagogue celebrates community |work=Asbury Park Press |date=June 26, 2006 |author=Alison Herget|access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name="google1">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QD9-ctdh2-gC&dq=%22Freehold%22+synagogue&pg=PA130 |title=Freehold: A Hometown History |publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=0-7385-2418-2 |year= 2003|author=Barbara Pepe |access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref><ref name="google2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pDViIlVm0s8C&dq=%22Freehold%22+synagogue&pg=PA397 |title=Jewish life in small-town America: a history |publisher= Yale University Press|isbn=0-300-10671-8|year= 2005|author=Lee Shai Weissbach |access-date=September 26, 2011}}</ref> The synagogue's religious school started at that location in September 1914.<ref name="freehold1"/> Dues were $6 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|6|1916|r=-1}}}} today).<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> The synagogue added a second floor to the building in 1916.<ref name="google2"/>
The synagogue formed a sisterhood in 1920, and that year a ''[[mikva]]'' was constructed below the synagogue.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/><ref name="freehold1"/> The synagogue also established a cemetery on [[New Jersey Route 33|Route 33]] in Freehold, which it has maintained for more than 90 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freeholdjc.org/OurHistory.htm |title=Our 100-Year History |publisher=Freeholdjc.org |access-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609022535/http://www.freeholdjc.org/OurHistory.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===1940–2000=== In the 1940s, the [[Ku Klux Klan]] became active in the [[Howell Township, New Jersey|Howell Township]] area, and members of the synagogue regularly patrolled the synagogue grounds armed with shotguns to protect it against Klan members.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> An old Torah on display in the synagogue was rescued from a ruined synagogue in Italy by World War II veteran Jack Steinberg and later restored.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://freeholdvoice.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=freeholdhistory&action=display&thread=2225 |title=Torah at the center of Jewish center; Ancient scroll rescued by G.I. in 1943 from Italian synagogue|work=Asbury Park Press|date=December 16, 1999 |author=John A. Harnes |access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1851614981.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+16%2C+1999&author=JOHN+A+HARNES&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Torah+at+the+cent+of+Jewish+center+Ancient+scroll+rescued+by+G.I.+in+1943+from+Italian+synagogue&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714191427/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1851614981.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+16,+1999&author=JOHN+A+HARNES&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Torah+at+the+cent+of+Jewish+center+Ancient+scroll+rescued+by+G.I.+in+1943+from+Italian+synagogue&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=Torah at the cent of Jewish center Ancient scroll rescued by G.I. in 1943 from Italian synagogue |work= Asbury Park Press|date=December 16, 1999 |access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> Synagogue membership had grown to 100 families by 1943,<ref name="njjewishnews1"/><ref name="freehold1"/> and 184 families by 1950.<ref name="freehold1"/>
During the 1950s and 1960s, synagogue membership in the synagogue reached 400.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> It changed its name to Freehold Jewish Center in the 1960s.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> Rabbi Eli Fishman was the synagogue's [[rabbi]] from 1970 until his retirement in 1997.<ref name="gmnews2006"/><ref name="pqarchiver2006"/> He was succeeded by Rabbi Kenneth Greene, who retired in 2011. In 2011, the synagogue was led by Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler.<ref name="gmnews1"/>
===21st century=== In 2002, the synagogue commissioned the writing of a new [[torah scroll]], for $30,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1835766531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+31%2C+2002&author=DAN+KAPLAN&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Freehold+Jewish+Center+commissions+Torah+scroll&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108051147/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1835766531.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+31,+2002&author=DAN+KAPLAN&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Freehold+Jewish+Center+commissions+Torah+scroll&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |title=Freehold Jewish Center commissions Torah scroll |work=Asbury Park Press |date=October 31, 2002 |author= Dan Kaplan|access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1822166711.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+22%2C+2003&author=TOM+TRONCONE&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Freehold+Jewish+Center+celebrates+new+Sefer+Torah&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108054918/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1822166711.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+22,+2003&author=TOM+TRONCONE&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Freehold+Jewish+Center+celebrates+new+Sefer+Torah&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |title=Freehold Jewish Center celebrates new Sefer Torah |work=Asbury Park Press |date=September 22, 2003 |author=Tom Troncone |access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> The following year, it was one of a number of area synagogues that took part in helping fund the building of a new home for a family, under the auspices of the Freehold Area [[Habitat for Humanity]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2003-07-02/Front_Page/020.html |title=Jewish congregations will aid Freehold Habitat project |work=News Transcript |date=July 2, 2003 |author=Clare Marie Celano |access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> In April 2003, the synagogue named its chapel the Oglensky Chapel, after David Oglensky, a synagogue member and soldier who had been a lieutenant and commander in the 740th Tank [[Battalion]] of the [[First United States Army|U.S. First Army]] killed in the [[Battle of the Bulge]], who for his gallantry was awarded posthumously the [[Purple Heart]] and the [[Silver Star]].<ref name="njjewishnews1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1830573191.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+10%2C+2003&author=DAN+KAPLAN&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Chapel+rededicated+to+Jewish+soldier&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108054930/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1830573191.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+10,+2003&author=DAN+KAPLAN&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Chapel+rededicated+to+Jewish+soldier&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |title=Chapel rededicated to Jewish soldier |work=Asbury Park Press |date=April 10, 2003 |author= Dan Kaplan |access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> Family members had constructed the synagogue's ark and benches by hand after his death.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/>
In 2006, the synagogue had a membership of 260 families.<ref name="njjewishnews1"/> By 2010, membership had fallen to 175 families.<ref name="njjewishnews2"/>
In 2011, to commemorate its centennial year, the synagogue planned a series of events.<ref name="gmnews1"/><ref name="njjewishnews2"/> Past president Jerry Einhorn said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful we have reached our 100th year. It’s a beautiful synagogue, and I look forward to its next 500 years.”<ref name="njjewishnews2"/> That year marked Greene's 13th and final year as the congregation's rabbi.<ref name="gmnews1"/>
As of 2025 the congregation's Rabbi Andrew Schultz, The executive director is Tracey Barbour and the President is Jeffrey Malkin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freeholdjc.org/Officers.htm |title=Officers/Trustees |publisher=Freeholdjc.org |access-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826125720/http://www.freeholdjc.org/Officers.htm |archive-date=August 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Broad Street Synagogue building== Ground was broken in 1947 for a new synagogue, on lots measuring {{convert|175|by|250|ft}} that were purchased in 1943 and 1945, responding to the need for a larger facility.<ref name="gmnews2006"/><ref name="njjewishnews1"/><ref name="freehold1"/> In 1957, the new synagogue was completed on the corner of Broad Street and Stokes Street.<ref name="pqarchiver2006"/><ref name="google1"/> The synagogue was dedicated on August 25, 1957, with Governor [[Robert B. Meyner]] and his wife as guests of honor.<ref name="gmnews2006"/> David Metz was president of the synagogue at the time.<ref name="gmnews2006"/> In 1973, an addition was added to the synagogue, containing classrooms and offices, and expanding the sanctuary.<ref name="freehold1"/>
The synagogue's sanctuary and extension are flanked in beautiful [[stained glass]] windows.<ref name="gmnews1"/> The building also houses 12 classrooms, social halls, a 350-person formal ballroom, a youth lounge, a library, a smaller chapel, and kosher kitchens.<ref name="gmnews1"/><ref name="njjewishnews1"/><ref name="njjewishnews2"/>
==See also== *[[:Category:Synagogues in the United States|Synagogues in the United States]]
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.freeholdjc.org/ Freehold Jewish Center website] *[http://www.facebook.com/FreeholdJewishCenter Freehold Jewish Center facebook page] *[https://books.google.com/books?id=KtxQGwAACAAJ&q=%22freehold%22+%22agudath+achim%22 ''70 years of Jewish life in Freehold: 70th year, Congregation Agudath Achim, Broad St., Freehold, N.J.''], Congregation Adugath Achim (Freehold, N.J.) *[https://books.google.com/books?id=IkX0GwAACAAJ&q=%22freehold%22+%22agudath+achim%22 ''75th diamond jubilee anniversary, April 12th, 1986''], Congregation Agudath Achim (Freehold, N.J.), 1986
{{Freehold, New Jersey}}
[[Category:1911 establishments in New Jersey]] [[Category:20th-century synagogues in the United States]] [[Category:Ashkenazi Jewish culture in New Jersey]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Monmouth County, New Jersey]] [[Category:Freehold Borough, New Jersey]] [[Category:Jewish organizations established in 1911]] [[Category:Polish-Jewish culture in the United States]] [[Category:Russian-Jewish culture in the United States]] [[Category:Synagogues completed in 1916]] [[Category:Synagogues completed in 1957]] [[Category:Synagogues in New Jersey]] [[Category:Unaffiliated synagogues in the United States]] [[Category:Ukrainian-Jewish culture in the United States]]