Freehold Jewish Center
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM
FREEHOLD JEWISH CENTER · CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM
A traditional synagogue.
A shared Jewish home.
Freehold Jewish Center is a traditional synagogue whose practices are essentially Orthodox, with the important exception of seating—men and women may sit together, and separate seating is also available. Our services follow traditional Jewish ritual, while men and women serve as equal partners in synagogue leadership and community life.
Our tradition ↓ Learning ↓ Community life ↓ Our history ↓ Meet our staff ↓
What does “traditional” mean at FJC?
Here is what you can expect when you join us for prayer and community.
Prayer, ritual, and song
We follow traditional Ashkenazic liturgy, with some Sephardic additions, and use the ArtScroll Siddur for weekday and Shabbat services.
Our services are led by volunteers, with support from the rabbi. We love to sing together—especially on Friday nights.
Our weekday morning minyan serves both FJC members and the broader Jewish community.
Seating and participation
Our service closely resembles an Orthodox synagogue’s service. Men and women may sit together; separate seating is also available.
Men serve as shlichei tzibur (prayer leaders). A minyan of ten men is required for specific parts of the service, including Barchu, the repetition of the Amidah, and Torah reading.
Both men and women give Divrei Torah (Torah teachings), serve in leadership roles, and participate equally on the ritual committee.
See service dates and times → Ask about visiting a service →
Learning that brings us together.
Explore Torah, Hebrew, and Jewish life through classes, conversation, and time with Rabbi Schultz.
Classes and conversation
Torah with the rabbi
Twice-weekly Torah classes.
A weekly shmooze
An informal conversation with the rabbi, usually at a coffee shop.
One-on-one learning
Chavruta-style study with the rabbi.
Hebrew language
A Hebrew language class.
Shared learning experiences
Shabbat lunch-and-learn
Learning together on Shabbat mornings.
Scholars-in-residence
Weekends with guest scholars.
Jewish history and remembrance
Meaningful programs exploring our shared history, preserving memory, and connecting its lessons to Jewish life today.
Did You Know?
Explore our weekly Torah Gems, with stained-glass artwork, sources, and discussion to read on the website.
Check the calendar for scheduled classes → Ask about joining a class or learning with the rabbi →
Find your people. Share the moments.
Jewish community grows around the table, at celebrations, and through the friendships we build.
Gather and celebrate
Shabbat and holiday dinners
Regular meals together, plus summer barbecues.
Culture and celebrations
Holiday celebrations, concerts, movies, and plays throughout the year.
Our connection to Israel
Programs and gatherings that celebrate Israel and strengthen our community’s connection to its people and culture.
Sports outings
Fans of all sports teams are welcome.
Connect across our community
Young families
Innovative programming for young families.
Sisterhood
An active Sisterhood with special off-site programs.
Community partnerships
Programs with local synagogues and organizations.
OUR STORY
More than a century.
One enduring community.
Jewish life in Freehold reaches back to the 1880s. In 1911, families established Congregation Agudath Achim Anshai and built a synagogue at First and Center Streets.
That commitment to gathering, learning, and caring for one another continues at Freehold Jewish Center today.
Our first synagogue at First and Center Streets, built and expanded in 1911–1916.
Milestones in our story
1880s–1909
A community takes shape
Jewish families settle in Freehold. By 1909, the community rents a hall at Main and Court Streets for the High Holidays.
1911
A synagogue of our own
The congregation is chartered, and its first wooden synagogue is built.
1914–1920
Learning and growth
Hebrew School opens in September 1914; a second floor follows in 1916 and a mikvah in 1920.
1947–1950
A new home on Broad Street
Groundbreaking takes place in June 1947. The Broad and Stokes Streets building becomes the congregation’s home in 1950.
1973
Room for a growing congregation
The building is enlarged to serve an expanding membership.
An enduring legacy
Remembering those who came before
FJC has maintained its Route 33 cemetery for more than a century.
A WELCOME FROM RABBI SCHULTZ
Baruchim Habaim…
Welcome to the Freehold Jewish Center/Congregation Agudath Achim.
Our synagogue is more than just a congregation: we are a community. Our community is passionate about Jewish peoplehood, tefila (prayer), Torah study, and Israel. When you walk into our synagogue, whether to daven or for one of our many social events, there is a palpable energy.
Our community members create atmosphere. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will quickly find your spot in the FJC.
I welcome the opportunity to meet with you—inside or outside the synagogue.
bivracha (with blessings),
Rabbi Andrew Schultz
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR COMMUNITY
Meet Rabbi Schultz and Tracey.
OUR RABBI
Rabbi Andrew Schultz
Rabbi Andrew Schultz has served as a Jewish communal professional for over 25 years, having held several senior level positions in Jewish agencies throughout the Tri-State area, including the Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries (CAJAC), the Jewish Educational Center, and Yedei Chesed.
Rabbi Schultz has spent a significant portion of his career as the Executive Director of the Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries (CAJAC), a nonprofit organization responsible for the administration and oversight of nearly 12,000 Jewish graves throughout New York and New Jersey. As part of his portfolio with CAJAC, Rabbi Schultz provides critical assistance to synagogues and Jewish organizations seeking to transition their cemeteries to the model of community-based cemetery management, a hallmark of CAJAC’s work.
Rabbi Schultz earned Yoreh Yoreh Semicha from both Kollel Hachsharus L’Rabbanus and Machon Halacha Lemaan Yilmedu. He is active in the Union for Traditional Judaism. Rabbi Schultz is also a member of MORASHAH, the rabbinical arm of the Union for Traditional Judaism and the New York Board of Rabbis.
Rabbi Schultz is a certified police chaplain and actively serves both the Fair Lawn and Elmwood Park police departments.
Rabbi Schultz is the father of five sons: Ari, Coby, Rafi, Aidan, and Liam.
Rabbi Schultz can often be found at Yankee Stadium or the Prudential Center watching the NJ Devils.
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tracey Barbour
Tracey has been part of FJC since 2014. Before joining the synagogue, she spent six years as Director of Accounts Receivable at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County in Deal.
A Brooklyn native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Film History and Communications from Brooklyn College. Away from the office, she loves exploring America’s National Parks and cheering on the New York Yankees.
Tracey advocates for organ donation following a kidney transplant in 2017, with her husband Ian as her living donor. They make their home in Manalapan.
Have a question about FJC? Tracey welcomes you to contact the office.
Your story belongs here, too.
Come meet our community. We’d be happy to help you plan a visit.