Breaking Another Barrier  

IT wasn’t too many years ago that the thought of Orthodox Jews holding public office in the greater Lakewood area — outside of the Lakewood Township Committee — was a laugher. But here we are, with the third such candidate in two years in a prime position to take office.

On Tuesday night, Sam Ellenbogen, an accomplished activist and Toms River resident, graciously accepted an endorsement for county commissioner from the Ocean County GOP Club. If history is any indicator, the nod makes him a shoo-in for the office.

If elected, Ellenbogen would be the first member of the Orthodox Jewish community to hold county-wide office. In breaking such a barrier, he would join Asseamblyman Avi Schnall, who is up for reelection this year; and Jackson Council vice president Mordy Burnstein.

“At a time when one in five residents of Ocean County are frum,” Sam told Mishpacha, “we felt it was time to have someone to represent the community, as well as all of Ocean County.”