The Freehold Jewish Center/Congregation Agudath Achim, a traditional shul with a rich 100-plus-year history serving Jews in the area, held a joyful celebration on Sunday morning, Feb. 23 to formally install their new shul rabbi, Rabbi Andrew Schultz.
Rabbi Schultz formally started in this role in November 2024, after serving the shul in an interim capacity for a few months, and brings 25 years of experience as a Jewish communal professional. He also serves as executive director of the Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries, a nonprofit that administers and oversees nearly 10,000 Jewish graves throughout New York and New Jersey. He previously worked at the Jewish Educational Center, Yedei Chesed, and BBYO.
Rabbi Schultz earned Yoreh Yoreh Semicha from both Kollel Hachsharus L’Rabbanus and Machon Halacha Lemaan Yilmedu. He also has a master’s degree in public administration, and serves as a certified police chaplain in both Fair Lawn and Elmwood Park. He is a member of Morashah, the rabbinical arm of the Union of Traditional Judaism, and the New York Board of Rabbis. He has five sons, ranging in age from 7 to 20. He is also the proud father of Latte and Gunner, a poodle and Bernedoodle.
The installation on Feb. 23 included remarks by two professional colleagues and friends of Rabbi Schultz—Rabbi Dr. Eric Wasser, rabbi of the Jewish Community Center of Harrison, New York; and Rabbi Robert S. Pilavin, rabbi emeritus of Congregation B’nai Israel in Manalapan. Rabbi Schultz was formally installed in his new role by his proud father, Robert Schultz. In his remarks, Rabbi Schultz stated that he stresses friendship first in his contacts with congregants and regards the Freehold Jewish Center, in the words of the Planet Fitness slogan, as a “judgement-free zone.”
Speaking to The Jewish Link, Synagogue President Jeffrey Malkin stated: “We are immensely fortunate to welcome Rabbi Andrew Schultz to Freehold Jewish Center/Congregation Agudath Achim. After more than a year of searching for a spiritual leader and focal point for our historic community here in the heart of Monmouth County, we have found someone who not only provides the religious guidance our membership requires, but also welcoming access for our congregants and the Freehold area population. In a world where focus on congregation and the needs of the community can get lost in the day-to-day of our lives, Rabbi Schultz brings an energy and sense of purpose to help us continue to grow and to serve each other.”
The Jewish Link interviewed Rabbi Schultz about his new role via email, and he shared the following responses.
What drew you to accept the post with this congregation?
Since I was a child, I always had the goal of becoming a pulpit rabbi. Although I spent the last 25 years as a non-rabbinical Jewish communal professional, I never abandoned my dream. When I saw the post for the Freehold Jewish Center, I decided it was time to actualize my vision.
I understand this is your first post as a shul rav. What do you see as the unique potential of this role? What are the tougher challenges?
The Freehold Jewish Center has a strong history but has struggled in recent years, especially post-COVID. However, the FJC has a strong and special core of members who are passionate about the continuity of their shul. My primary goal is to strengthen our community by imbuing our community members with a love of Judaism. I am seizing every opportunity to learn Torah with the congregants. Moreover, I am treating the FJC as a vehicle for outreach. We are seeing a growth in synagogue attendance and participation in classes.
My greatest responsibility is to attend to the spiritual and emotional needs of our congregants. I pride myself on being approachable and making myself available on a 24/6 basis. In addition, I try to sit humbly with our community members. This includes meeting outside the synagogue, be it over coffee, at a Lakewood eatery, or at a member’s home. I never sit behind my desk when meeting with a congregant in my office.
How has the shul community greeted you and your family on your arrival?
I am thrilled by the reception of the community. My phone is buzzing and members of the community are making it a point to meet with me and invite me to be a part of their lives.
What are your biggest goals for the shul?
Both in-reach and outreach. This includes engaging the current members in a meaningful relationship and reinvigorating their interest in being active in our community. In addition, I am working hard to connect with former members, with the goal of bringing them back into the community.
What are your biggest goals for yourself in this role?
I want to become a stronger teacher and find new and innovative ways to transmit the beauty of our mesorah. In addition, I am seeking to strengthen my pastoral role and abilities. This includes growing my skills for life-cycle events, as well as providing counseling and spiritual guidance.
What would you tell potential members are the most unique and compelling features of the shul?
Our shul welcomes Jews of all backgrounds and we pride ourselves on facilitating exploration. We are warm and welcoming, and present authentic feelings of Jewish unity.
Our synagogue maintains a very traditional approach to Judaism while simultaneously offering opportunities for growth through innovative presentations of Torah. We are a “judgment-free zone” and want to ensure every Jewish person seeking a connection to Judaism has a shul and rabbi who will welcome them with open arms.
More practically, we are a “talking” shul, meaning that each time we gather, we engage in thoughtful conversation and exploration. By way of example, on many Shabbat mornings, I forego the “traditional” d’var Torah and instead engage congregants in Torah discussions over kiddush.
Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback. Harry thanks Steve Weisman for all his help with this news story.
