Jews In East Brunswick: Population And Presence

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a large Jewish community, with an estimated 7,334 Jewish people living in the city as of 2017. This makes it one of the cities in New Jersey with the largest Jewish populations. The East Brunswick Jewish Center serves as a hub for the community, offering religious, educational, and social programs. The city's Jewish history dates back to the 1800s, and the population has continued to grow over the years. In recent years, the community has faced some challenges, including a controversial incident involving the omission of a Jewish student group from the local high school yearbook. Despite this, East Brunswick's Jewish community remains vibrant and influential in the city.

East Brunswick High School yearbook omits names of Jewish students

East Brunswick High School in New Jersey is currently facing backlash from the community after a recent yearbook controversy. The yearbook, which was distributed to around 700 seniors, omitted the names of the Jewish Student Union members and instead featured a photo of a group of Muslim students. The school's superintendent, Victor Valeski, has promised a "complete investigation" into the incident, which has been deemed a "blatant Anti-Semitic act" by Mayor Brad Cohen.

The yearbook, which includes listings for all student clubs and organizations along with photos and names of members, was found to have replaced the listing for the Jewish Student Union with a photo of Muslim students who had no affiliation with the group. In response, Valeski stated that the school is investigating the digital footprint of the yearbook's creation to identify what happened and ensure it never occurs again. He added that it was too early to determine whether the incident was intentional or not.

The Jewish Student Union has spoken out about the issue, stating that "erasure of Jewish students will not be tolerated." They, along with the community, await the results of the investigation. The school district has requested that all 700 yearbooks be returned by Friday so that the error can be corrected, with new yearbooks expected to be ready by graduation next week. The district will bear the cost of fixing the error, which is estimated to be around $1,000.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the Jewish community and the community-at-large. Mayor Brad Cohen has questioned if the omission should be considered a hate crime if done maliciously. He has emphasized the need for a swift resolution, stating that "hate has no place in East Brunswick and Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated." The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey has also expressed deep concern over the incident and is seeking clarification from the school and Board of Education on how such an incident occurred.

The controversy comes amidst a backdrop of increasing antisemitism in the school, according to Abigail Aronovich, a member of the Jewish Student Union. She finds it hard to believe that the omission was an accident, given the existing issues with antisemitism at the school. However, some members of the Muslim community are also feeling a backlash, and they emphasize the importance of waiting for the investigation's conclusion before jumping to any conclusions.

East Brunswick is home to a significant Jewish population, with an estimated 7,334 Jewish residents according to the 2017 American Community Survey. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities across the country and the need for continued dialogue and action to promote inclusivity and respect.

East Brunswick's Jewish population

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a significant Jewish population, estimated to be around 7,334 people as of the 2017 American Community Survey. This makes East Brunswick one of the top 20 cities in New Jersey with the largest Jewish populations. The Jewish community in East Brunswick is vibrant and prominent, with various organizations, institutions, and places of worship catering to their religious, educational, and social needs.

The history of the Jewish community in East Brunswick goes back to the mid-19th century when Bohemian and German Jews settled in the town. By 1852, around 20 to 25 Jews called East Brunswick home. The Jewish population continued to grow, and by 1897, it had increased to 280, slightly more than 1% of the general population. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an influx of Eastern European Jews further contributed to the community's growth.

Today, the Jewish population in East Brunswick is diverse and actively contributes to the cultural and religious landscape of the town. The East Brunswick Jewish Center, for example, is a prominent institution that offers a range of programs and services. It embraces all members of the community, providing religious, educational, and social programs in support of Conservative Judaism, Israel, and the greater community. The Center hosts a variety of events, including Shabbat services, film screenings, book discussions, and cultural celebrations.

The presence of Jewish students in East Brunswick is also notable, with incidents such as the controversial omission of a Jewish student group from the East Brunswick High School yearbook sparking community-wide discussions about antisemitism. The incident, which involved the replacement of the Jewish Student Union's listing and photo with those of Muslim students, was deemed unacceptable by the town's mayor, Brad Cohen, who called for a thorough investigation. This incident highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity within the community, including the significant Jewish population.

The Jewish community in East Brunswick continues to thrive and play an integral role in the town's cultural fabric. With a rich history, vibrant institutions, and a dedicated commitment to their values, the Jewish population in East Brunswick is an essential part of the town's identity.

History of Jews in East Brunswick

The history of Jews in East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a rich and complex one that reflects the broader history of Jewish settlement and life in the United States. While it is difficult to ascertain exactly when Jews first settled in East Brunswick, it is known that the broader area of central New Jersey was originally occupied by the Lenape Native Americans. Over time, this land was gradually purchased from the Lenape and settled by colonists, with the specific area of East Brunswick being incorporated in 1860.

During the 19th century, the Jewish population of nearby New Brunswick, New Jersey, grew from 90 in 1865 to 280 in 1897, slightly more than 1% of the general population. In the 1880s, an influx of Eastern European Jews began, contributing to the growing Jewish presence in the region. By the early 20th century, Jews in New Brunswick were established in various professions, including peddlers, small shopkeepers, and teachers.

The growth of the Jewish community in East Brunswick can be largely attributed to the post-World War II period. The construction of major roadways, such as the New Jersey Turnpike, and improved road access contributed to a population surge in the township. East Brunswick's population grew from 5,700 in 1950 to almost 20,000 in 1960, and it continues to grow, with over 50,000 residents today. This growth provided the foundation for the establishment of Jewish institutions and organisations in the area.

In the 1960s and 1970s, a significant development in the history of Jews in East Brunswick took place. In 1972, an advertisement was placed in the local weekly newspaper, gauging interest among Jewish families in establishing a Reform Temple. Seventeen families responded, and in December 1972, the Reform Temple of East Brunswick was incorporated. The congregation initially rented space in public school buildings for religious services and Sunday school before purchasing property and constructing their own synagogue building, which was completed in August 1978. By the High Holy Days a few months later, the congregation had grown to 250 families. In the early 1980s, the congregation changed its name to Temple B'nai Shalom, reflecting its evolving identity.

Today, Temple B'nai Shalom is a dynamic and welcoming community, serving members from East Brunswick and the surrounding areas. The temple has been an active participant in local ecumenical life and was a founding member of the East Brunswick Area Clergy Association. Additionally, the temple's Daniel Pearl Education Center honours the memory of the Jewish journalist who was kidnapped and murdered by Islamic extremists in Pakistan in 2002.

While the Jewish community in East Brunswick has faced recent challenges, such as a controversial yearbook incident in 2024, it remains a prominent and integral part of the township's cultural fabric.

Jewish life and community in East Brunswick

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a thriving Jewish community, with a population of around 7,334 Jews, according to the 2017 American Community Survey. The community has been established in the area for around half a century and offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of Jewish families.

The East Brunswick Jewish Center (EBJC) is a central hub for religious, educational, and social programs, embracing those with Jewish values and advocating for Conservative Judaism, Israel, and the local community. The EBJC offers a range of events and activities, including Shabbat services, film screenings, book discussions, yoga classes, and even a murder mystery night. They also provide early learning programs and Hebrew High School education. The EBJC's mission is to accompany individuals on their unique Jewish journeys, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The Young Israel of East Brunswick is another vital organisation within the local Jewish community, offering a range of resources such as a synagogue, schools, camps, kosher food, and shops. They also have a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they share news, flyers, and photos relevant to the Jewish community.

Jewish life in East Brunswick is also influenced by nearby Rutgers University, which has approximately 4,500 Jewish students. The university's Hillel chapter plays an active role in enriching the lives of Jewish undergraduates and graduates, encouraging intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. Rutgers also houses the Les Turchin Chabad House, the largest Jewish Centre on any university campus in the US. The Chabad House provides over 20 community service programs and serves as headquarters for various Jewish activities, accommodating students' religious, cultural, and social needs.

The Jewish community in East Brunswick continues to grow and thrive, with a range of organisations and institutions dedicated to fostering Jewish life and culture in the area. While there may be challenges, as evidenced by a recent yearbook controversy involving the omission of a Jewish student group, the community remains committed to addressing these issues and promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Anti-semitic acts in East Brunswick

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a significant Jewish population, and in recent years, there have been a number of anti-Semitic incidents in the area. One of the most notable and recent incidents involves the local high school yearbook. In June 2024, it was revealed that the yearbook of East Brunswick High School had omitted the names of members of the Jewish Student Union and, instead, published a photo of Muslim students who had no affiliation with the group. This incident caused widespread outrage and was labelled a "blatant anti-Semitic act" by Mayor Brad Cohen. The school district and local authorities launched an investigation into the matter, with the school superintendent, Victor Valeski, vowing to correct the mistake and address any responsible parties. The incident sparked discussions about hate crimes and the rising trend of anti-Semitic acts in the community and beyond.

The controversy surrounding the yearbook highlighted the tensions between different religious groups in East Brunswick and the need for improved cultural understanding and representation in the community. It also brought attention to the impact of media and publishing on social perceptions, as the error fuelled misconceptions and potentially contributed to further discrimination. The incident resulted in a backlash against both the Jewish and Muslim communities, with some Muslim students facing harassment on social media despite having no involvement in the error. This incident underscores the complex nature of religious and cultural relations in East Brunswick and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and respect.

While the investigation into the yearbook incident is still ongoing, local leaders and community members have taken a strong stance against anti-Semitism. Mayor Brad Cohen, for instance, has been vocal about his condemnation of anti-Semitic acts and has pushed for swift action and accountability. The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey has also played an active role in addressing these issues by releasing statements, seeking clarification from authorities, and offering support to the affected students and their families. Their efforts extend beyond this single incident, as they work to address the broader issue of anti-Semitism and promote equality for the Jewish community in East Brunswick and beyond.

In addition to the yearbook controversy, there have been other instances of anti-Semitism in East Brunswick. For example, in 2024, the Jewish Federation launched an online form for reporting threats and incidents targeting the Jewish community. This development suggests a recognition of the persistent nature of anti-Semitism in the area and the need for proactive measures to address it. The exact number and nature of reported incidents are unclear, but the existence of this reporting mechanism indicates a continued struggle against anti-Semitic acts in East Brunswick.

The recent anti-Semitic acts in East Brunswick have brought the community together in some ways, with local leaders, organisations, and community members uniting to condemn such behaviour and seek justice. However, these incidents have also exposed the ongoing challenges of promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination. East Brunswick's diverse community, which includes a significant Jewish population, continues to grapple with these issues and strive for a more tolerant and equitable future for all its residents.

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