HOWELL – The most important religious ceremonies have one thing in common – they bring people together.
How fitting it is, then, that a recent B’nai Mitzvah Gala celebrated two synagogues that joined together 13 years ago.
A number of prominent religious leaders congratulated them on their Bar Mitzvah and spoke about the past and future of the congregation.
Rabbi David Amar wrote in a journal about the two congregations who merged. Ahavat Achim (love of brotherhood) and Ahavat Shalom (love of peace) are inextricably intertwined. Now, they are joined as Ahavat Olam (eternal love).
This joining together in love and harmony is a lesson for all: “May all people join together in solidarity to build a better world that elevates universal values of loving kindness, justice, and the infinite dignity of every soul,” he said.
Rabbi Emeritus Michael A. Klein described Congregation Ahavat Achim’s humble beginnings, and the changes that came about to match the times. Bat Mitzvahs were added for equality. English was added to the services. It was more than a building, but a living entity that grew with the times.
“When we merged, we gained the services of Cantor David Amar who was also an ordained Rabbi. He has become a very worthy successor as well as a close and dear friend,” he said.
“I learned a great deal during our 24 years in Lakewood,” said Rabbi Lee S. Paskind, who led Congregation Ahavat Shalom. “It was a privilege to serve our congregation during a time of tremendous social transition in the Lakewood community. Lessons I learned then have stayed with me through the years.”
Rabbi Raphael M. Miller was the first to serve Ahavat Shalom in 1958, and he recalled those days in rich detail. He commended the pioneering spirit of those first leaders.
The history of the Jews in the area are much like any other group, starting as farmers and then realizing they needed something to satisfy their religious needs. The original building of the Jewish Center was built by hand by farmers. The land was sold to the state in 1975 to construct the Manasquan Reservoir. The money from this purchase led to the current center on Windeler Lane. Aravat Shalom also had temporary homes before land was purchased to build a synagogue.
Mark Levine, the current president of Congregation Ahavat Olam, said in the Gala journal “Congregation Ahavat Olam serves as the center of Conservative Judaism to encompass Howell, Jackson, Lakewood and the neighboring communities. Our Congregation fills the spiritual needs, Jewish education and socialization of a community center. We are also a support resource in times of sadness or loss.”
“We have expanded our horizons since our inception with our Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Adult Education, Hebrew School and social programs,” he continued. “Looking to the future, we are encouraging more participation with our traditions and new innovative ideas to continue to grow.”
Judie Singer, a member of the gala committee, described the labor of love that brought about this celebration. Congregants were greeted with place cards hand-written with calligraphy. The challah was cut by the two rabbis emeritus. Dinner and desert came with a variety of food and dietary options. A sheet cake was presented with a logo of the current synagogue.
Throughout the room, there were easels set up displaying collections of pictures from past events. There was music, dancing, and of course prayer.
Celebrants lit 14 candles, one for each year since the two synagogues joined. The last one was for the youth – for there were young children attending the gala. They will be the ones who grow up in the synagogue and continue its legacy.
The synagogue is open for holidays, and tickets are available at reduced prices. For more information, call 732-719-3500 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
