Ohel Yaakob

4 Lawrence Avenue-Deal, New Jersey

By Moe D. Gindi

This is truly a remarkable history of the founding of  the beautiful synagogue and social hall of Ohel Yaakob on Lawrence Avenue, in Deal, New Jersey.

The Sanctuary is most artistically designed in a Middle Eastern décor that is beautiful and inspiring.  The stained glass windows add to the holy atmosphere of this house of worship.  The pulpit exudes an aura of holiness.  The bimah is located in the center, according to our centuries old tradition.  The men’s section is large and spacious accommodating many hundreds of men.  The ladies’ gallery is also large and well-designed.  The social hall area is used for prayers as well as social affairs.  The midrash is well stocked with a beautiful assortment of holy books.

From the former president Moe D. Gindi

          1980- I received a call from Abe J. Kassin.  His father Joseph Kassin, wished to pray with a minyan on Friday evenings and found it difficult to walk to the Deal Synagogue.  We rounded up ten men and started to conduct Friday and Saturday evening prayers at Ike Kassin’s house.

            1981- We renovated the garage at Jack Mamiye’s house.  Sabbath services were conducted by David E. Franco a”h and Moe D. Gindi.

The Sefer Torah was read by David Tawil.  

Victor M. Azrak took interest in what we were doing and pushed me to find  a suitable property to build a synagogue.  There was a commercial property on Ocean and Lawrence Avenues that I was interested in purchasing.  I brought it to the attention of Victor Azrak and the property was purchased.

The following gentlemen put up the seed money and the property was purchased: Victor M. Azrak a”h, Albert S. Dweck, Isaac J. Kassin, David E. Franco, Jack E. Mamiye, Albert D. Sutton a”h, and Moe D. Gindi.

Albert D. Sutton a”h was named as the first president.

We decided to name the synagogue after our Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin, “Ohel Yaakob.”

1982- Ground Breaking Ceremony.

·        Saul Ashkenazi named chairman of building committee.

·        High Holy Day services conducted in a tent.

·        Rabbi Baruch ben Haim welcomed as our spiritual leader.

·        Rabbi Michael Haber named associated Rabbi.

1984- Synagogue building completed

1990- The adjoining property was purchased.

·        A social Hall and midrash were built.

·        Majority of Funds collected by Victor M. Azrak a”h, who together with Ike Kassin, dedicated themselves to further the needs of the congregation.

·        Moe D. Gindi serves as cantor for ten years and continues to assist.

2002- Working to expand further

Ohel Yaakob Congregation, under its most dedicated leadership, has served as role model to our entire community.