MANALAPAN — More than 200 area residents representing more than three
generations of Congregation Sons of Israel family members joined together on Dec. 3 in celebration of the congregation’s 100th anniversary.
Congregation Sons of Israel was founded as an Orthodox synagogue in Englishtown on Dec. 30, 1917 and is one of Monmouth County’s most senior traditional Jewish congregations. The synagogue served the rapidly growing Jewish community, laying down strong roots, according to a press release.
“Over the generations, members whose religious beliefs found more comfort in other streams of Judaism founded congregations in Manalapan and neighboring Marlboro, thereby greatly expanding the depth and richness of the Jewish experience. Sons of Israel is proud of the role it has played in that growth,” Sons of Israel President Steve Wertheim said.
Sons of Israel’s beginnings trace back to the early 20th century Jewish migrations from central Europe, primarily Russia and Poland. The early families, mostly farmers and small businessmen, established a close knit community shaped by friendships and marriages dating from the cities and shtetls (villages) of “the old country” where their faith was a central theme of their daily lives, according to the press release.
The congregation’s first synagogue was constructed on Mechanic Street (now Hamilton Street) in Englishtown on a parcel of land donated by the Kerstein and Fineberg families as a volunteer effort by members of the community.
The founding families included names that still resonate in the area: Berger, Yacknowitz, Goldfine and Selzer; and in the next generation: Bloom, Hochberg, Bell, Brooker, Cohen, Kuschick, Rosenblum, Ruda and Tave.
The Mechanic Street synagogue and an adjacent community center served the
congregation for 50 years, until the western Monmouth County population explosion of the mid-1960s created a need for larger facilities and expanded services, according to the press release.
Kevork Hovnanian and Company, one of the builders who was developing Manalapan during that time, donated land on Gordons Corner Road in Manalapan to the congregation for its expansion.
Groundbreaking was held on Labor Day 1966 and the new synagogue was dedicated on Oct. 12, 1969.
According to Rabbi Robert Pilavin, who has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Sons of Israel for 14 years, the strength and success of the congregation is rooted in the historic commitment of its members to the traditional Jewish faith and its active leadership in community affairs.
Sons of Israel members have served as members of the municipal government as well as mayor, on planning and zoning boards, on school boards, with the Jewish Federation, with Jewish Family Services and with volunteer fire departments and emergency services organizations.
The congregation’s history and contributions to the growth and reputation of the Manalapan-Marlboro area were presented in a photographic montage unveiled at the centennial event.
Produced and contributed by Marvelous Montages, a division of Alan S. Brooker Photography, a family descended from early members, the nostalgic display includes hundreds of photos and documents, according to the press release.
In addition, a display of early Sons of Israel memorabilia created by the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County was unveiled for the event and will become part of an exhibition at the museum.
Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen cited the congregation’s history and accomplishments in a proclamation presented by the Township Committee.
Another highlight of the event was the introduction of Penny Roey, Sons of
Israel’s longest standing member who marked her 70th year of membership on
Dec. 1. Roey was introduced by her nephew, Larry Bloom, who has been a member of the synagogue his entire life.
Centerpieces for the celebration were donated by Karen Moskowitz, granddaughter of founder Joseph Berger.
“Speaking to and seeing all the congregants at the centennial celebration is a tribute to my grandparents’ legacy,” Moskowitz said. “I am so deeply proud of
you and pledge to keep that legacy alive.”
“Through the years, the congregation was fortunate to have strong and dedicated
leadership guided by the principles of our founders and based on service to the
community and commitment to traditional Judaism,” said Jack Linder, a past president and Centennial chairman. “I believe they would be very proud to see their vision sustained.”
