# Freehold Jewish Center

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Synagogue in New Jersey, United States

"Congregation Agudath Achim Anshai" redirects here. For similarly named congregations, see [Agudas Achim](/source/Agudas_Achim_(disambiguation)).

Freehold Jewish Center; Congregation Agudath Achim Façade of the Freehold Jewish Center Religion Affiliation Judaism Rite Traditional-Unaffiliated Ecclesiastical or organizational status Synagogue Leadership Rabbi Andrew Schultz Status Active Location Location 59 Broad Street, Freehold Borough, New Jersey Location in New Jersey Coordinates 40°15′31″N 74°16′48″W / 40.258716°N 74.279894°W / 40.258716; -74.279894 Architecture Established 1911 (as a congregation) Groundbreaking 1947 Completed 1916 (First Street) 1957 (Broad Street) Website freeholdjc.org [1]

The **Freehold Jewish Center**, also referred to as "**Congregation Agudath Achim**", is an [traditional-unaffiliated](/source/Non-denominational_Judaism) [Jewish](/source/Jewish) congregation and [synagogue](/source/Synagogue), located in [Freehold](/source/Freehold_Borough%2C_New_Jersey), [New Jersey](/source/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](/source/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](/source/Orthodox_Judaism) synagogue named **Congregation Agudath Achim Anshai**.[1][2][3][4] Many of the founders had immigrated to the United States from [Russia](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Russia) and [Poland](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Poland).[1][2] Raphael Riemer, who immigrated to Freehold from Russia in 1906, was the synagogue's first rabbi and cantor.[4] Louis Finegold, a local merchant, was the first President of the synagogue.[1][3] In 1911, the synagogue had a membership of 40 families.[4]

The synagogue was first built at a land and construction cost of approximately $1,000, as a 32 by 50 feet (9.8 m × 15.2 m)[5][6] 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.[1][3][7][8] The synagogue's religious school started at that location in September 1914.[6] Dues were $6 ($180 today).[4] The synagogue added a second floor to the building in 1916.[8]

The synagogue formed a sisterhood in 1920, and that year a *[mikva](/source/Mikva)* was constructed below the synagogue.[4][6] The synagogue also established a cemetery on [Route 33](/source/New_Jersey_Route_33) in Freehold, which it has maintained for more than 90 years.[9]

### 1940–2000

In the 1940s, the [Ku Klux Klan](/source/Ku_Klux_Klan) became active in the [Howell Township](/source/Howell_Township%2C_New_Jersey) area, and members of the synagogue regularly patrolled the synagogue grounds armed with shotguns to protect it against Klan members.[4] 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.[10][11] Synagogue membership had grown to 100 families by 1943,[4][6] and 184 families by 1950.[6]

During the 1950s and 1960s, synagogue membership in the synagogue reached 400.[4] It changed its name to Freehold Jewish Center in the 1960s.[4] Rabbi Eli Fishman was the synagogue's [rabbi](/source/Rabbi) from 1970 until his retirement in 1997.[1][3] He was succeeded by Rabbi Kenneth Greene, who retired in 2011. In 2011, the synagogue was led by Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler.[2]

### 21st century

In 2002, the synagogue commissioned the writing of a new [torah scroll](/source/Torah_scroll), for $30,000.[12][13] 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](/source/Habitat_for_Humanity).[14] 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](/source/Battalion) of the [U.S. First Army](/source/First_United_States_Army) killed in the [Battle of the Bulge](/source/Battle_of_the_Bulge), who for his gallantry was awarded posthumously the [Purple Heart](/source/Purple_Heart) and the [Silver Star](/source/Silver_Star).[4][15] Family members had constructed the synagogue's ark and benches by hand after his death.[4]

In 2006, the synagogue had a membership of 260 families.[4] By 2010, membership had fallen to 175 families.[5]

In 2011, to commemorate its centennial year, the synagogue planned a series of events.[2][5] 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.”[5] That year marked Greene's 13th and final year as the congregation's rabbi.[2]

As of 2025 the congregation's Rabbi Andrew Schultz, The executive director is Tracey Barbour and the President is Jeffrey Malkin.[16]

## Broad Street Synagogue building

Ground was broken in 1947 for a new synagogue, on lots measuring 175 by 250 feet (53 by 76 m) that were purchased in 1943 and 1945, responding to the need for a larger facility.[1][4][6] In 1957, the new synagogue was completed on the corner of Broad Street and Stokes Street.[3][7] The synagogue was dedicated on August 25, 1957, with Governor [Robert B. Meyner](/source/Robert_B._Meyner) and his wife as guests of honor.[1] David Metz was president of the synagogue at the time.[1] In 1973, an addition was added to the synagogue, containing classrooms and offices, and expanding the sanctuary.[6]

The synagogue's sanctuary and extension are flanked in beautiful [stained glass](/source/Stained_glass) windows.[2] The building also houses 12 classrooms, social halls, a 350-person formal ballroom, a youth lounge, a library, a smaller chapel, and kosher kitchens.[2][4][5]

## See also

- [Synagogues in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Synagogues_in_the_United_States)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-gmnews2006_1-8) Dick Metzgar (June 21, 2006). ["Temple to mark 95 years of life with dinner-dance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120323021602/http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2006-06-21/Front_Page/107.html). *News Transcript*. Archived from [the original](http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2006-06-21/Front_Page/107.html) on March 23, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-gmnews1_2-6) ["Freehold temple celebrates its place in local history"](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). *News Transcript*. November 3, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2010-11-03/Front_Page/Freehold_temple_celebrates_its_place_in_local_hist.html) on March 23, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pqarchiver2006_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pqarchiver2006_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-pqarchiver2006_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-pqarchiver2006_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-pqarchiver2006_3-4) Alison Herget (June 26, 2006). ["Synagogue celebrates community"](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). *Asbury Park Press*. Archived from [the original](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) on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews1_4-13) Jill Huber (June 15, 2006). ["Freehold Center celebrates 95 years"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120402223058/http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/061506/moFreeholdCenter.html). *NJ Jewish News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/061506/moFreeholdCenter.html) on April 2, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews2_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews2_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews2_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews2_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-njjewishnews2_5-4) Jill Garbi (December 6, 2010). ["Shul celebrates century of 'tradition and caring'"](http://njjewishnews.com/article/monmouth/shul-celebrates-century-of-tradition-and-caring). *New Jersey Jewish News*. Retrieved September 27, 2011.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-freehold1_6-6) ["Freehold Township: History of Religions in Freehold Township"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111008182928/http://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/around_freehold/history/hist_religion_in_twp_4.asp). Twp.freehold.nj.us. Archived from [the original](http://www.twp.freehold.nj.us/around_freehold/history/hist_religion_in_twp_4.asp) on October 8, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-google1_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-google1_7-1) Barbara Pepe (2003). [*Freehold: A Hometown History*](https://books.google.com/books?id=QD9-ctdh2-gC&dq=%22Freehold%22+synagogue&pg=PA130). Arcadia Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7385-2418-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7385-2418-2). Retrieved September 26, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-google2_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-google2_8-1) Lee Shai Weissbach (2005). [*Jewish life in small-town America: a history*](https://books.google.com/books?id=pDViIlVm0s8C&dq=%22Freehold%22+synagogue&pg=PA397). Yale University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-300-10671-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-300-10671-8). Retrieved September 26, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Our 100-Year History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110609022535/http://www.freeholdjc.org/OurHistory.htm). Freeholdjc.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.freeholdjc.org/OurHistory.htm) on June 9, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** John A. Harnes (December 16, 1999). ["Torah at the center of Jewish center; Ancient scroll rescued by G.I. in 1943 from Italian synagogue"](http://freeholdvoice.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=freeholdhistory&action=display&thread=2225). *Asbury Park Press*. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Torah at the cent of Jewish center Ancient scroll rescued by G.I. in 1943 from Italian synagogue"](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). *Asbury Park Press*. December 16, 1999. Retrieved September 27, 2011.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Dan Kaplan (October 31, 2002). ["Freehold Jewish Center commissions Torah scroll"](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). *Asbury Park Press*. Archived from [the original](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) on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Tom Troncone (September 22, 2003). ["Freehold Jewish Center celebrates new Sefer Torah"](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). *Asbury Park Press*. Archived from [the original](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) on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Clare Marie Celano (July 2, 2003). ["Jewish congregations will aid Freehold Habitat project"](http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2003-07-02/Front_Page/020.html). *News Transcript*. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Dan Kaplan (April 10, 2003). ["Chapel rededicated to Jewish soldier"](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). *Asbury Park Press*. Archived from [the original](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) on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Officers/Trustees"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110826125720/http://www.freeholdjc.org/Officers.htm). Freeholdjc.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.freeholdjc.org/Officers.htm) on August 26, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.

## External links

- [Freehold Jewish Center website](http://www.freeholdjc.org/)

- [Freehold Jewish Center facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FreeholdJewishCenter)

- [*70 years of Jewish life in Freehold: 70th year, Congregation Agudath Achim, Broad St., Freehold, N.J.*](https://books.google.com/books?id=KtxQGwAACAAJ&q=%22freehold%22+%22agudath+achim%22), Congregation Adugath Achim (Freehold, N.J.)

- [*75th diamond jubilee anniversary, April 12th, 1986*](https://books.google.com/books?id=IkX0GwAACAAJ&q=%22freehold%22+%22agudath+achim%22), Congregation Agudath Achim (Freehold, N.J.), 1986

v t e Freehold Borough / Freehold Township Municipalities Freehold Borough Freehold Township Neighborhoods East Freehold Burlington Heights West Freehold Stonehurst East Stonehurst West Raintree Adelphia Georgia Smithburg Schools Freehold Borough Schools Freehold Township Schools Freehold Regional High School District Freehold Borough High School Freehold Township High School Monmouth County Vocational School District Biotechnology High School Colleges and universities Brookdale Community College Freehold Campus Rutgers University Brookdale's Freehold Campus Seton Hall University College of Nursing at Brookdale's Freehold Campus Economy CentraState Medical Center Downtown Freehold Freehold Raceway Freehold Raceway Mall Manalapan EpiCentre Tomasello Winery Parks and recreation Henry Hudson Trail Lake Topanemus Monmouth Battlefield State Park Turkey Swamp Park NRHP sites Monmouth Battlefield Historic District Craig House Court Street School George Taylor House Hankinson–Moreau–Covenhoven House Walker-Combs-Hartshorne Farmstead St. Peter's Episcopal Church History Monmouth Tract Village of West Freehold Battle of Monmouth Legend of Molly Pitcher Bruce Springsteen "My Hometown" Museums Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County Monmouth County Historical Association Houses of Worship Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine Freehold Jewish Center Old Tennent Church Other points of interest Freehold Public Library Karagheusian Rug Mill Maplewood Cemetery Monmouth County Courthouse This list is incomplete.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Freehold Jewish Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freehold_Jewish_Center) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freehold_Jewish_Center?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.