Something remarkable is happening in the Garden State, and it deserves our attention.
For the first time in New Jersey political history, Orthodox Jewish leaders from five Ocean County communities have joined forces to back a single gubernatorial candidate. Their choice is Republican Jack Ciattarelli, and the significance of this unified endorsement cannot be overstated.
The councils representing Lakewood, Jackson, Toms River, Howell, and Manchester have announced their collective support, forming what may be one of the most influential faith-based voting coalitions the state has ever seen. This is not business as usual in New Jersey politics.
The Vaad, Lakewood’s established community council, spearheaded the coordination effort with counterparts in neighboring towns. What emerges from their collaboration is a clear message about the power of unity and the importance of this particular election cycle.
Community organizers explained that while their endorsement process took longer than in previous years, the delay served a purpose. They wanted to ensure every voice was heard and every community stood together on solid ground.
“The focus has been on Achdus – unity and collaboration – so that every community’s voice is represented in one strong collective statement,” organizers stated. The Hebrew word “Achdus” translates to unity, and that principle appears to be driving this unprecedented political alignment.
The emphasis on voter turnout runs throughout their messaging. These leaders understand that endorsements mean little without boots on the ground and voters at the polls. They are making it clear that every single vote matters, in every single town.
“This election will be decided by turnout,” the organizers emphasized. “Let’s make sure our communities are heard loud and clear at the ballot box.”
Letters have been circulating through these communities, urging residents to recognize their collective power. One letter sent to Howell residents captures the urgency of the moment with simple, direct language about civic responsibility.
“Our voice is only as strong as the number of people who actually vote,” the letter states plainly.
The political calculus here is straightforward. Ocean County’s Orthodox Jewish community has grown substantially in recent years, particularly in Lakewood and surrounding areas. Their voting patterns have already demonstrated the ability to swing local elections. Now, with coordinated effort across municipal lines, their influence in a statewide race could prove decisive.
For Ciattarelli, this endorsement represents more than just another political backing. It signals organized support from a community known for high voter participation rates and strong internal communication networks. In a state where gubernatorial races can be decided by narrow margins, such organized support carries weight.
The coalition’s formation also speaks to broader questions about faith communities engaging in the political process. These leaders are not simply making a quiet endorsement. They are actively organizing, coordinating across traditional boundaries, and mobilizing their communities with clear purpose.
As New Jersey heads toward its gubernatorial election, this development reminds us that grassroots organization still matters in American politics. When communities unite around shared priorities and commit to actual voter turnout, they can shape outcomes in ways that money and media alone cannot.
The question now is whether this coalition’s organizational strength will translate into the votes they are working so hard to deliver.
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