Shul News

Families who are looking for a vibrant and growing Jewish community, with lots of amenities, are invited to ‘Discover Linden, NJ’ at a shabbaton hosted by Congregation Anshe Chesed June 13-14.

As Rabbi Yosef Katz, rav of Congregation Anshe Chesed, told The Jewish Link: “If you’re seeking a meaningful and balanced lifestyle, Linden offers everything you need to thrive personally, professionally and spiritually. Our community has a complete range of kosher amenities. In and around the community, you will find abundant kosher restaurant options such as Poperdello dairy cafe, The Corner Slice pizza store, Avenue Grill & Sushi, Dunkin’ Donuts, New Kosher Special Chinese restaurant, Jerusalem Restaurant, Rita’s Ices, and more.

“In addition to multiple big-box grocery stores that carry wide kosher selections, including a fully kosher bakery and fresh meat and chicken, Linden is also home to a kosher supermarket that attracts shoppers from across Central Jersey. Located within the community, there is a thriving small business scene that includes clothing stores, catering services, jewelry shops and more.

“At the heart of Jewish life in Linden is Congregation Anshe Chesed,” Rabbi Katz continued. “The shul features a mikvah, regular minyanim, weekly shiurim and a full calendar of programs. Its active youth department, led by a dedicated youth director, provides more than just childcare each Shabbos so that mothers and fathers can attend minyan. It offers youth tefillah, Shabbat programming and engaging activities throughout the month that help children and teens feel connected and involved.”

Linden is an easy drive from Jewish day schools like the JEC, Kushner, RPRY, Netivot, TABC and more, and has excellent day care options and summer camps within the immediate area. The city also benefits from a direct NJ Transit train line to New York City, which takes roughly 40 minutes.

The “Discover Linden” shabbaton will give prospective residents a taste of the inviting community spirit that is a widely recognized hallmark of the Anshe Chesed family. Rebbetzin Emma Katz explained: “We will be having a group Shabbos meal for all participants at our house on Friday night, an upgraded kiddush on Shabbos morning, and lunch at hosts’ homes for all participants. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Linden with stops at different community member homes and concluding in the park, which is always bustling on Shabbos afternoon. We want to really give the participants a chance to meet as many community members as possible and feel the warmth of the community.”

Rebbetzin Katz added that the shul is proud to offer an incentive program. “Our move-in package includes: free first-year membership to Congregation Anshe Chesed (which includes high holiday seats), to The Ziga Roshanski Mikvah of Linden (free appointments for the year) and The YM-YWHA of Union County (a prerequisite for utilizing the day care and summer camp, and includes access to the exercise facilities, indoor and outdoor pool, and more) and an $1,800 new families grant to local day schools, from the Greater Metrowest Jewish Federation.”

But don’t just take their word for it. Here are comments from three recent arrivals to the shul:

“When looking for a community in New Jersey, we visited Linden and quickly found our place here. The shul is a warm and embracing place to raise a family and build lasting friendships, and we truly love it here.”

“In Linden, the Anshe Chesed community cultivates strong connections and unwavering support among its members. This close-knit environment creates a sense of togetherness, making living in Linden particularly enriching and fulfilling for its residents.”

“Your worth as a person is not determined by your income in Linden, but by your kindness to others. There is no focus on the superficial. Everyone is valued.”

Leah Kaufman, a shul member who is helping to plan the “Discover Linden, NJ” shabbaton, told The Jewish Link: “As soon as I moved to Linden with my husband and children I knew this was a community I wanted to be involved in. Linden is a smaller community but has so much to offer. Rabbi Katz and Rebbetzin Emma are truly incredible leaders. It is a community where if you cannot make it to shul on Shabbos it is noticed and people reach out to make sure you are OK. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with Rebbetzin Katz, along with the other amazing members of the committee, on this shabbaton. My husband and I are so grateful to be raising our children here and look forward to having more couples join the shabbaton and make this community their future home too.”

Rebbetzin Katz urges people looking for a kehilla where everyone counts to “Discover Linden, NJ” June 13-14. “We invite you to spend a Shabbos in Linden. Come meet our welcoming community, daven with us, learn Torah, and see for yourself what makes Linden unique. We believe that once you experience Shabbos here, you will feel the special energy that makes this community a true home.”

For more information on the Discover Linden, NJ Shabbaton, and to register to attend, go to: https://bit.ly/discoverlinden25

Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at harryglazer615@gmail.com. He enjoys covering stories that reflect the excitement and energy of Jewish communal life in Linden, New Jersey.