From liberated to liberator in a few short years, Ocean County resident Henry Shery reflected on his role in the founding of the state of Israel 60 years ago.
Shery, a Holocaust survivor, was liberated from Hanover, Germany in May 1945 by the U.S. Army. He and his uncle went to search for possible surviving family members in Bergen-Belsen, and along the way encountered British soldiers wearing the Star of David on their lapels. more

When Ben Pulcrano set out to write a book that would settle simple arguments about Lakewood, he found writing one to be much more than simple, but less than sufficient.
Pulcrano was a panelist Oct. 21 at a symposium sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County on “The Golden Age of Hotels in Lakewood.” more

Not more than 50 years ago, there were some two hundred Jewish-owned farms in Toms River alone, plus others scattered in Jackson, Lakewood and other towns in Ocean County. Because of their profusion, they were important in the social and economic history of the local Jewish people. Why were the farms here, and why did they disappear? A panel of native and long-time residents will discuss the subject at a symposium a Temple Beth Shalom, 1315 Whitty Road, Toms River, on Sunday, November 5, at 2:00 p.m. more

The Jewish Historical Society of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County 301 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701 Phone: 732.363.0530. One of our first projects to preserve the history of the Jewish people and Jewish community of Ocean County is the assembling of information about Jewish businesses that existed in the County over 50 years ago. The facts obtained so far are available for inspection by appointment at the Federation’s office at 301 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.

We would greatly appreciate the community’s assistance in enlarging the list by adding or correcting information about companies, people, places, dates, and/or by contributing pictures or other memorabilia. If you can help, please call the office at 732-363-0530 or visit and see the start that’s been made.

The Society is also seeking historical information and memorabilia about any aspect of Jewish life in the county including pictures, family trees or histories, event programs, the background of religious, fraternal, or charitable organizations, etc.- in short anything that adds to a picture of the life of our Jewish community.

We need researchers, a librarian, transcribers and anyone who can offer information or help. If you call the Federation, you will be contacted by a committee member of the Society.

Don’t let your or your family’s part in the county’s history just disappear.

If you would like to work with us or have information or memorabilia, please complete and send or call:

Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________________ Email: ________________________