Toms River Getting Its First Jewish High School With Approval Of Belzer Mesivta

A new milestone for Toms River’s fast-growing frum kehilla was reached this week, as the township’s first mesivta received unanimous approval from the Board of Adjustment on Wednesday. The yeshiva will be a Belzer mosad, catering to bochurim ages 14 through 17.

The mesivta will be located at 105 Sunset Avenue, in a 9,500-square-foot building that formerly housed an adult day care center. The existing facility, set on an 8½-acre wooded property, will undergo improvements to suit the needs of the talmidim and hanhalah. Seven classrooms will accommodate a maximum enrollment of 153 boys.

The yeshiva will be open Sunday through Thursday from 7:15 a.m. until 8:45 p.m., and on Fridays until early afternoon. Approximately half the talmidim will arrive by bus, with the remainder dropped off by parents. Students will not be permitted to drive themselves to yeshiva, and no buses will remain parked on the property.

The mesivta had previously operated at the site with state Department of Education approval, but paused operations about six weeks ago when informed that zoning board approval was required. Schools are not a permitted use in the rural residential zone, making this approval a necessary step for continued operations.

Board members requested that security be in place to safeguard the bochurim, particularly during arrival and dismissal times. Plans include a locked-door entry system with controlled access, and a designated staff member to oversee security in compliance with state requirements.

The building sits back from Sunset Avenue, with surrounding trees providing privacy. No trees will be removed, and new plantings will enhance the property’s appearance. A sidewalk will be added along one side of the driveway to accommodate any boys walking from nearby neighborhoods.

The area west of the property is home to several county facilities, while nearby residential streets house many frum families. Over the past few years, the North Dover section of Toms River has seen a steady influx of over 2,000 Orthodox Jewish families, the establishment of new shuls, and the opening of businesses serving the community.