Home

Nachum Segal, host of the "Nachum Segal Live" radio show, broadcasted live from Shalom Torah Academy in Morganville May 27. The popular host of the "JM in the AM" morning show on AM 620, Segal also does a live broadcast from 7-9 p.m. during the week. The show usually discusses community information and plays Jewish music for an intended "five boroughs" audience. However, Segal chose to make the journey to New Jersey from New York in order to "highlight the amazing work of this rare hub of Jewish education."

A larger than life radio personality, standing at 6-foot-5, Segal takes a light but serious approach to the topic at hand -- the importance of Jewish education and community in unexpected areas. His show from Shalom Torah discussed Jewish issues local to New Jersey. He also took the majority of his time to interview prominent figures from Shalom Torah schools and those who have been affected positively by Shalom Torah's contributions to the Jewish community of central New Jersey.

Segal started the show off by stating, "it's hard for me to believe that we would find one, even two, schools flourishing here" -- a theme for the rest of the evening. He spoke of the unique opportunity he was providing his listeners, showing "that communities can flourish outside of New York. There is an amazing sense of community, artistry, and imagination here." He also took time out to mention the local purveyors of kosher food, asking, "What could be more important than good kosher food for a thriving Jewish community?"

Shalom Torah Academy was founded 30 years ago in Twin Rivers as a Hebrew school in a synagogue. It soon became a day school and now boasts two campuses -- one in Morganville and one in Twin Rivers. Students come from all over central New Jersey and from various Jewish backgrounds.

Both day schools offer secular English studies supplemented by a Jewish education. The two campuses combined have between 250-300 students currently in attendance.

"All Shalom Torah students are sought after by Jewish high schools in New Jersey and over 90 percent continue on to attend yeshivas and day schools," said Nora Horn, the principal of English studies at the Twin Rivers School. "Children that come to school here see outstanding English education coupled with Jewish studies. I'm very excited that Nachum is here to show his support for our establishment."

Leon Goldenberg, the president of the board of trustees, was pleased that Nachum Segal had decided to come out to Shalom Torah.

"It's great; we want to let everyone know that we're here, we're open, and we're looking for donors," he said.

Shalom Torah, like many private schools in today's economy, is struggling financially. According to Goldenberg, "Shalom started the Orthodox communities in Monmouth County and Twin Rivers." It's important to keep them going by means of education and for members of the "entire Jewish community to know what goes on here."

Rabbi Aaron Gruman of Twin Rivers was one of the guests interviewed live by Nachum Segal. "We are one of the greatest kept secrets in the Jewish community of Twin Rivers. We've been in the community for 30 years and we have individuals from every type of background," Gruman said.

Families from the Shalom Torah community came out to show their support for the school and watch Nachum Segal at work. Ronit Ahdout, a mother of four, was happy to talk about her second home.

"All four of my children either went or still go to Shalom," Ahdout said. "In addition to academics, Shalom taught them each to be a mensch and about the importance that Israel should have in their lives. This is most important to me as a parent."

Many of those interviewed found it extremely fitting that Nachum Segal had come to Shalom Torah the night before Shavuot.

"Talking about the importance of this school one day before the holiday that commemorates our receiving of the Torah is very resonant," Segal mentioned.

"We always talk about going to obscure places," said Segal. "I hope that by creating some publicity for Shalom Torah Academy," many will recognize the achievements and communal benefits of one of the "pearls of the Jewish world."