By: Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg. It’s no secret that some of the towns surrounding Lakewood make it extremely difficult for their frum residents to have the Ruchniusdike infrastructure they require and deserve as a basic constitutional religious right.
Numerous denials by hostile authorities have actually resulted in several federal lawsuits, most of which have been adjudicated decidedly in favor of our Kehilla’s religious rights. Individuals like Reb Shloima Lessin and organizations like Agudath Yisroel deserve our collective Yosher Koach for spearheading these court challenges. But we still have our challenges ahead.
How did Lakewood become so Mosdos/Shul friendly? Let’s go back some twenty-something years when Town Hall was not so hospitable. Prompted by a particular incident, the Town council at that time introduced an ordinance (municipal law) which would have practically prohibited new Mosdos and Shuls, and greatly restricted existing institutions – to even add a tool shed.
In an unprecedented show of Achdus, askonim and representatives of Mosdos, decided on a strong public showing to demonstrate to the politicians the hurt and damage they will inflict on our mushrooming Kehilla.
Guided by Daas Torah, on the day the proposed law was introduced, hundreds of tinokos shel bais rabbon filled the municipal auditorium, covering virtually every inch of the floor – including the aisles. Needless to say, the non-kehilla opposition was also out in full-force.
Following impassioned pleas by Reb Yisroel Schenkolewski, Reb Meir Hertz, Reb Boruch Manies of the Cheder and myself, we narrowly thwarted that evil threat. With sayata d’shmaya, our opponents were not-reelected, and the rest is – well – history.
Fast forward to today: 200 plus Shuls, 150 Mosdos Hatorah VeHachinuch!
And yet we stand again today with further challenges. We are all frustrated with traffic and other issues that confront the Tzibbur today.
Appreciating the vital needs of a thriving Kehilla, its Mosdos, yungeliet, school children and Bnei Aliya Balabatim is an extraordinary challenge that needs the best minds, experience and honed politics skills to successfully navigate and solve.
Yet we have, and can, do it B’achdus. Please join us and do your part. Support and vote for keeping our city the pride and example of a Torahdike Kehilla. Please follow the direction of the Roshei Yeshiva, Shlita, and vote only for the recommended candidates.
And may the Ribbon Shel Olam continue to bentch this wonderful Kehilla – and my home for over 40 years- with Sholom Veshalva Achdus Verayus in the Derech of our Gedolei HaTorah.
Moshe Zev Weisberg
Can someone from the Vaad please provide the Vaad’s agenda for the FUTURE of lakewood? We know they did good in the past but the election is about the FUTURE! I would normally vote for the Vaad but I haven’t seen or heard anything from them as to how they plan to deal with the current issues.
Good question. We actually deal with this almost every day using the best of our experience and creativity to encourage all our politicians and State/County agencies to prioritize Lakewood’s critical issues. We generally don’t advertise this ongoing Hishtadlus (maybe we should!).
Constructive ideas are always welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to contact any Vaad member, or call the Vaad Hotline.
Wow Number 1, I’m shocked TLS published your comment!
Thank you
does the Vaad have contact info available to the public? Is there an email address?
We currenly maintain a hotline – where calls (except crank calls) are generally returned within 24 hours.
Number is 732 961-1161.
We would consider an email address if there is an Oilum that would benefit from it.
simple. the Vaad should allow one rep from each development to be a member and all come have their say. that would restore unity.