Rabbi Yehuda Spritzer: It really was about time that something like this took place
By: Bill Greenwood
MONROE – The Chabad House of Monroe wants to build a new synagogue.
The Chabad House received final approval July 31 from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the 10,000-square-foot building, which will be built on a 3.73-acre parcel on Applegarth Road. The building will have 89 parking spaces and include a 50-seat synagogue, a 6,000-square-foot social hall and 3,000 square feet of ministry offices, according to the project plans.
"We’re ecstatic," Rabbi Yehuda Spritzer said. "We’ve been working on that for over a year. We’re happy to get a final approval."
He said he hopes the building will hold a special place in the hearts of local Jewish families once it is completed.
"It really was about time that something like this took place," he said.
He said the new facility will give the Chabad House the ability to hold larger services, meetings and events. Currently, the congregation meets at either Rabbi Spritzer’s home on Kelly Court or in the Everything Jewish shop in the Concordia Shopping Center. The congregation has held some larger events at the Monroe Township High School, and as many as 400 people have come out to participate, Rabbi Spritzer said.
"We were looking for a place that would be large enough for all the activities we do," he said, adding that the Chabad House holds holiday activities, holiday services and various classes and counseling programs. "We try to help everyone we can in any way we can."
The project is expected to cost around $2.5 million and is being funded by donations and fundraisers, Rabbi Spritzer said. So far, the Chabad House has received about $350,000.
"Some people give a little, and some people give a lot, but everyone’s contributions add up," Rabbi Spritzer said. "It’s going to be a beautiful building, and they realize the necessity of it."
He said he would like to begin construction in the spring and hopes the building will be complete in time for the 2009 holidays.
However, before construction can begin, the Chabad House will need to rectify issues regarding a 300-foot PSE&G easement and a 100-foot Delaware and Raritan Canal buffer that both exist on the site, Township Attorney Ernie Feist said.
He said the Chabad House will need to provide documentation to the township showing that PSE&G will allow the construction in the proposed area before starting the project. He also said the Chabad House will need to go before the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission to determine how much of a buffer is required.

