New Jersey Premiere Reading of ‘The Silence of Our Friends’

Mar 31, 2026 by Susan Rosenbluth

March 31, 2026 – The Freehold Jewish Center (Congregation Agudath Achim at 59 Broad Street, Freehold, NJ) will present the New Jersey premiere reading of award-winning playwright Gary Morgenstein’s provocative new play The Silence of Our Friends on Sunday, April 26, at 2 PM as a special fundraising event with all ticket proceeds going to the synagogue. A talkback will immediately follow the reading. Refreshments will be served.

The Silence of Our Friends is set in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s New York City, where a retired professor hatches a desperate plan to combat surging antisemitism. As a fading marriage unravels, a lost love resurfaces, and the pain of parenting cuts deep, this timely and poignant new work explores the cost of silence – and the courage it takes to speak out.

Directed by Michele Coppolino, the reading will feature Judi Brennan Kuldinow, Jackie Kusher, Jacynth Apora, Martin Cordero, and Howie Gandelman, with stage directions by Miriam Kapelushnik.

Said Rabbi Andrew Schultz: “As Rabbi of the Freehold Jewish Center, I am pleased to support creative opportunities which strengthen ties to Judaism. In light of the rising tide of anti-Semitism, dramatization of its impact is an effective way to raise awareness and sensitivity. Furthermore, when it comes to anti-Semitism, it’s important we recognize the critical importance of having our voices heard. I am eager to view The Silence of Our Friends.”

Gary Morgenstein

“I’m honored that my new play will serve as a fundraiser to benefit the Freehold Jewish Center, one of New Jersey’s most historic synagogues with a rich history of serving its community, which will open its doors to present a story about one of the world’s oldest and most resilient viruses – silence in the face of evil,” said Mr. Morgenstein.

Gary Morgenstein’s plays have been performed all over the United States, including New Jersey, with sold-out productions of the Broadway World-winning A Black and White Cookie and the Perry Award-winning A Tomato Can’t Grow in the Bronx at Center Players in Freehold, and a fundraising event reading of Dancing on Glass at the Freehold Jewish Center.