Toms River Approves First New Orthodox Jewish Synagogue Amid Changing  Zoning Regulations

Toms River Approves First New Orthodox Jewish Synagogue Amid Changing  Zoning Regulations

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant development for the Orthodox Jewish community in Toms River, the township’s Board of Adjustment has approved the establishment of a new synagogue, or shul, marking a notable milestone in local religious life, according to a report that appeared on Thursday in the Asbury Park Press.This decision comes after years of zoning challenges and regulatory changes that have shaped the landscape for houses of worship in the area.

Khal Bnei Yisuschur (KBY), also known as the KBY Learning Center, has been officially sanctioned by the Board of Adjustment to operate in North Dover. This approval is particularly historic as it is the first shul to be sanctioned in Toms River since the township revised its zoning laws in 2021, as was indicated in The Asbury Park Press report. Under pressure from the federal Department of Justice, Toms River reduced the minimum acreage required for a house of worship from 10 acres to 2 acres, significantly easing the establishment process for new religious sites.

The KBY Learning Center is situated on a consolidated property that merges two lots located at 1767 Whitesville Road and 186 Jumping Brook Drive. According to the information provided in The Asbury Park Press report, the site includes a large single-family home that will serve dual purposes: as a shul and a residence for the synagogue’s rabbi, Rabbi Ozer Babad. Additionally, a secondary residence on the property has also been approved.

Rabbi Ozer Babad revealed in an online interview with The Asbury Park Press that the shul has already been hosting between 200 and 300 worshippers daily, indicating a strong demand for the facility. The Board of Adjustment granted variances for several site-specific requirements, including allowing parking in the front yard, permitting multiple buildings on the property, and reducing the minimum distance from the house of worship to the property line, The Asbury Park Press report explained.  These variances are crucial for the functional use and accessibility of the site.

The approval of Khal Bnei Yisuschur is not just a victory for the local Orthodox Jewish community but also reflects broader changes in Toms River’s approach to zoning and religious accommodation. The township’s decision to lower the acreage requirement aligns with a more inclusive stance towards religious organizations, facilitating the establishment of more houses of worship in diverse communities.

In addition to Khal Bnei Yisuschur, the Board of Adjustment is also reviewing another application for a shul in Toms River. As per the information in The Asbury Park Press report, Dov Roth has proposed converting a 2,873-square-foot, 1½-story home at 162 Stevens Road into a shul, alongside constructing a 23,400-square-foot asphalt parking lot and making other site improvements. This application includes requests for variances concerning minimum lot width and side-yard setbacks, among other considerations.

The establishment of new houses of worship such as Khal Bnei Yisuschur signifies a growing and vibrant Orthodox Jewish presence in Toms River. As these projects move forward, they are likely to foster greater community engagement and support. The township’s evolving regulatory framework and willingness to adapt to the needs of its diverse population are critical to ensuring that all residents can practice their faith freely and openly.

As these new houses of worship become established, they will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the spiritual and social life of the Orthodox Jewish community in Toms River, providing spaces for worship, learning, and community gathering. The township’s commitment to supporting such developments is a positive indicator of its dedication to inclusivity and religious freedom.

The impetus for these changes can be traced back to a consent decree between Toms River and the Justice Department, the report in The Asbury Park Press indicated. This agreement concluded a two-year federal investigation into the township’s zoning laws concerning religious institutions. The investigation and subsequent legal pressure prompted Toms River to reduce the minimum acreage required for houses of worship from 10 acres to 2 acres in 2021.

Former Assistant Township Attorney Anthony Merlino and Marci Hamilton, a religious land use expert hired by the township in 2018, both strongly advised the council to accept the settlement, The Asbury Park Press noted. They warned that failure to comply could result in a hefty $10 million fine from the federal government. The consent decree was seen as a necessary step to avoid such severe financial penalties and to bring the township’s zoning laws into compliance with federal standards on religious freedom.

The decision to amend the zoning laws was not without controversy. Mayor Daniel Rodrick, who was a councilman at the time, was the sole dissenting vote against the zoning change. According to The Asbury Park Press, Rodrick argued that Toms River should have contested the federal government’s mandate to maintain the 10-acre zoning requirement, reflecting a significant divide in local opinion on how to balance growth, community needs, and legal compliance.

For many in Toms River’s Orthodox Jewish community, the zoning restrictions had long posed significant challenges. Worship services were often held in private homes, a solution born out of necessity due to the stringent parking requirements and the scarcity of large properties suitable for new synagogues. As was pointed out in The Asbury Park Press report, this makeshift arrangement frequently led to frustration and logistical difficulties, particularly because Orthodox Jews observe a prohibition against driving on Shabbat, requiring synagogues to be within walking distance.

The approval of new synagogues and the ongoing consideration of additional applications signify a promising future for Toms River’s Orthodox Jewish community. These developments not only address the immediate needs for worship spaces but also underscore the township’s evolving approach to inclusivity and religious freedom.

As the July 11 zoning board meeting approaches, the community remains engaged and hopeful for further progress. The outcomes of these discussions and decisions will likely set important precedents for future applications and the overall landscape of religious institutions in Toms River.

The township’s leadership, community members, and federal authorities have collectively navigated a complex terrain to arrive at these significant changes. As Toms River continues to adapt and evolve, the lessons learned from this process will undoubtedly inform future governance and community planning, ensuring that all residents can practice their faith freely and openly.