HOWELL – This is an exciting time for the leadership and members of the Jewish Community Center, Congregation Ahavat Achim, Windeler Road.
The conservative Jewish synagogue recently received approval from the Planning Board to expand its building and amenities.
And, according to Rabbi Michael A. Klein, Congregation Ahavat Achim will be merging with Congregation Ahavat Shalom of Lakewood. The merger will see the combined congregation grow to a total of 400 families.
Klein, who has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavat Achim for almost 20 years, said the increase in size to the congregation will be a blessing.
“Having a larger number of individuals and families coming to worship will only make for the center to be more successful in spiritual, social and fundraising programs,” he said.
Congregation Ahavat Achim sits on a 5.3-acre parcel along Windeler Road, about 680 feet east of the intersection with Pinewood Road, according to a report that was prepared by Ernest Peters, the Planning Board’s engineer.
“Currently the site contains a 9,862- square-foot one-story building used as a combination house of worship/community center including a preschool daycare center and Hebrew school, a fenced playground, an accessory shed structure and a parking lot that accommodates 50 vehicles,” Peters reported.
The synagogue received approval to construct a 17,475-square-foot addition to the west side and rear of the existing building, providing a total building area of 27,337 square feet on the site.
Once the project is completed there will be two sanctuaries; one that will be able to seat 250 people and one that will be able to seat 100 people. In addition, there will be a 5,000-square-foot social hall with kitchen facilities; classrooms for daycare children and Hebrew school students; restroom facilities; lobby/gallery areas; administrative and clerical office areas; and parking to accommodate 104 vehicles.