Nachi Weill

The Toms River Jewish Community Council was founded with the aim to foster conversation and dialogue between the Jewish community and our neighbors. Many people living here have misconceptions about the Orthodox Jewish community moving into Toms River.

As an example, some may think that most of them are coming from Lakewood as a natural spillover due to lack of space there. That isn’t fully accurate. The Orthodox families moving into Toms River are from all over the U.S. and abroad and, yes, some from Lakewood as well.

The reason they're moving here is because of the quality of life Toms River offers, probably the same reason most people move here. Many may believe they are interested in changing the zoning to facilitate development to accommodate multifamily housing. Again, that’s not really accurate. The reason they moved here is because of the acre and half-acre properties that have freed them from the congestion of New York or Toronto.

READ MORE: NJ Orthodox: APP project aims to improve Orthodox, non-Orthodox relations in Lakewood, beyond

What's been completely rewarding and pleasantly surprising is how receptive our neighbors have been.

We've had calls and meetings with so many community leaders from various faiths, business and social organizations and just regular "next door neighbor" chats and we're humbled by how amazing the typical Toms River people are. These meetings may open up in a somewhat contentious manner and there would be that palpable friction in the room. However, at the end of the conversation we would be high fiving, laughing and, as with so many of our other previous encounters, we've made new friends.

We don't judge people who have preconceived notions about the Jewish community. What we can say is take a look around. After more than 600 families are now living here, Toms River is still as pristine and beautiful as it ever was. We’d venture to say that the loudest noise-makers on social media are those who probably don't live in a Toms River area where Orthodox Jewish families reside.

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We've heard time and again from so many of our community members how their non- Jewish neighbors love them and they get along so well. Often times they have engendered a more meaningful relationship with them than their previous neighbors and that can be true for the both of them.

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Our organization is about communication, unity and friendship. If you observe life on social media, one would imagine a world of hatred, venom and prejudice. We're not as naive as to believe that it doesn't exist in the world today. We indeed believe it's on the rise unfortunately and globally. However, in Toms River, we feel safe. We have the best police force ever. It's the same with fire, public works, council members and all else who make our town as safe and as beautiful as it is.

We understand that people have questions. Observant Jews are different, just like any other minority. The TRJCC is here to address those questions and concerns. We feel really good about the progress we've made. We love Toms River and most of our neighbors are reasonable, friendly and very kind people. We will continue these conversations and unite mankind to the best of our ability. We believe that love prevails over hate and despite the evil or prejudice one has in their heart, with a little bit of understanding; a little light will push away much darkness. Should you wish to contact us with any query, please feel free to do so at info@TRJCC.org.

Nachi Weill has lived in Toms River for more than two years and is a member of the Toms River Jewish Community Council. He works as a physical therapist and earned his doctorate after studies at Ocean County College and New York’s Touro College.