[Reader Submitted] I read with great interest how Lakewood has developed a brand new website, incorporating all the newest technology and even hiring a firm to handle the site traffic. This development makes me proud to be a resident in so savvy a town that keeps up with the ever-developing world.
As a religious member of the community, I could not help but be fascinated by the new area of the township’s website entitled: Faith & Spirituality, found on the bottom gray area.
As the township proudly hosts a large segment of Orthodox Jewry, it was with surprise that I noticed that there were actually six Pentecostal houses of worship, more houses of worship then any other denomination. I had truthfully expected to see a few more of the Jewish faith.
What startled me however was the fact that listed as the only two orthodox synagogues were what can be considered two smaller congregations with limited membership.
While the township website does give a procedure for adding other congregations, it is highly unusual that the many much larger and more popular orthodox synagogues found all over Lakewood have not been taken notice of by township officials, and remain overlooked as of its first website publishing.
I think the entire orthodox community would recognize Khal Zichron Yaakov, Khal Zichron Shneur, Khal Atares Yeshaya, Conventry Shul and perhaps Central Court as from the largest and most vibrant synagogues in Lakewood, encompassing between them over 1,200 families, if not more.
Of course there is Village Park, Forest Park, Chateau Park, Sterling Forest, Westgate 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5, and don’t forget Kol Shimshon, the Old Shul, Strulovics, or Satmar. These above mentioned synagogues represent two-thirds of Lakewood’s praying population. But to only list two synagogues that between them cater to the same three dozen daily people is kind of ridiculous.
Perhaps the reason is because the Township listed orthodox synagogues that front Madison Avenue. Yet the second synagogue listed, Congregation Anshei Sfard, does not go by that name on its building anymore and has a school name on it now. Besides, the other religious houses of worship of other faiths don’t ALL front Madison Avenue, so it really leaves me with a question.
A second point which is perhaps a bit mute in this religious environ would be, should a civic township website be listing religious institutions altogether. While it is not promoting the religion per say, the township is certainly giving exposure to very specific institutions, when there are hundreds more within its borders that for one reason or another the township has decided to not list, at least not as of yet.
Is the promotion of only some religious institutions over others even legal? This by the way only questions the Synagogue situation, never mind the private school issue.
Can someone offer some clarification please.
Hey OP,
What exactly is your problem, I don’t think anybody can figure out what you’re talking about.
Dude, its clear as day. I had the exact same question. Did anyone ever here of an institution called BMG? It is totally odd that they are not mentioned.
perhaps we don’t want everything listed for alkiyda on a silver platter
in order to send a comment to lkwd twshp u need a email add. and most shuls do not have a email add. plz help
The two Shul’s listed are from the oldest most recognizable in Lakewood. Although this letter has a point.
You must be bored like the rest of us, who cares…..
look at the education secttion it lists the 6 private schools none jewish
they have a link on the bottom to contact them to add your shul. and BMG is not a congregation its a college, because that’s they way BMG defines themselves.
If you rEad at the bottom it says to have your organization added to the list click here. I did just that!
It lists the Islamic center of ocean county. It’s not even in Lakewood.
The list is not complete because many places of worship did not respond when asked if they wanted to be listed I believe .
Wow people have lots of excess time on their hands!! Who cares? What’s the difference? There are kids with cancer and families who are broke worry about them, not this absolute stupidity!
Does everything you dream up of need an answer? To spend all that time writing this letter,about what?!! Couldn’t think of something more important? What difference does it make to you and/or your shul if it is or isn’t listed?
I also heard a radio commercial yesterday for Lakewood. Pushing it as a CITY. With attractions and shopping with UEZ…. So if they are going to push it as a CITY then make it official already.
AL TITRAU – ‘Don’t Make Yourselves Conspicuous’
Being ‘unlisted’ is probably a good thing!
I don’t care…. Now let me explain. It is a nice thing to do as an informational posting, in fact it is a good idea. They tried to post all Religions which makes it equal. Stop making a big deal out of nothing.
As far as not listing all the orthodox synagogues, there might be a good reason for this. There are a lot of NUTS in this world why give them names and address of possible targets. Those of us who live in Lakewood know where these houses of worship are weather we use them or not. Or they don’t want anyone to know just how many properties are off the tax rolls.
Instead of complaining why don’t you compile a list and send it to them using the contact Us option. It sounds like you have a pretty complete list already.
really they should not list any religious affiliation at all ~ does anybody understand seperation of church & State ? This is America where that principal is an accepted and valued fact that Government does not stray into religious practices or promote a religious viewpoint
Hey #18
It says “Freedom of Religion” NOT “Freedom From Religion”!!!
The Township is NOT endorsing any Religion just listing services, which is allowed.
This country was founded on Christian-Judaea principals that Liberals like yourself have been trying to take away from us since.
#18: You clearly don’t understand separation of Church and State. Just look at any legal tender and you will see it says in G-d we trust. Separation of Church and State is NOT against religious affiliation, it is against the establishment of a dominant religion.
you mean moot, not mute, buddy.
אין הברכה מצוי-ה אלא בדבר הסמוי מן העין
one of the main traits of othentic judaism is modesty, why would we need the publication of all houses of worship? just to attract the unwanted? whoever needs to know , knows or know how to find out.
what about the private schools listing?
Advice from the Gemara: “Never show a fool an unfinished work”
The site was ported from the old site. Not a trivial task. Give ’em a chance instead of a kangaroo court.
אין הברכה אלא מה שסמו מן העין
The info. is taken from “The Lakewood Visitors Guide” (which can be downloaded from the township’s website.
I believe the guide was printed no later than 2004. That can be reason for not listing current BIG synagogues.
Can you imagine if the Brooklyn NY website would list each congregation?
July 7, 2011 at 11:02 am
Hey #18
It says “Freedom of Religion” NOT “Freedom From Religion”!!!
The Township is NOT endorsing any Religion just listing services, which is allowed.
This country was founded on Christian-Judaea principals that Liberals like yourself have been trying to take away from us since.
What town do you live in ???????????
first of all if you knew me I am so far from being a liberal that does not even warrant an answer .
There is no seperation of Church & state here in Lakewood Open up your eyes . I have no problem with people practicing their beliefs no matter what it may be , but a huge problem when politics & religion cross lines from one to the other.
To anonymous2u says: I guess you did not take time to read this paragraph which enforces my own statement
Quote “A second point which is perhaps a bit mute in this religious environ would be, should a civic township website be listing religious institutions altogether. While it is not promoting the religion per say, the township is certainly giving exposure to very specific institutions, when there are hundreds more within its borders that for one reason or another the township has decided to not list, at least not as of yet.”
All everyone does is complain, I think the township just put a few different places of worship for a few different religions. Its mainly up there for tourists anyway…and tell me you aren’t going to get upset when a female reform Jew comes to Lakewood and shows up at your place of worship not dressed to your standards of tznius? They will not understand what they did wrong by coming to your place of worship when it was listed on the Lakewood website as if it was welcome to everyone.
TO Anonymous #29
Yes I read it, and it is MOOT not Mute and I repeat my statement “The Township is NOT endorsing any Religion just listing services, which is allowed.”
Put your two cents into a pushka next time. You’ll do more good that way.
to anonymous2u says:
Huh?????????
they up-ed it to 4 congregations. the township isn’t known for its speed. they’ll get there one day 😉
more importantly, under the Baptist section, the picture of the church is that of the First Presbyterian Church on Clifton.
As a point of historical interest, the bell in the First Presbyterian bell tower actually says “Bricksburg”, the original name of Lakewood, on it.