N.J. DEP to decide fate of dumped Jewish artifacts

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - New Jersey environmental regulators are trying to decide what to do about an unlicensed religious-artifact burial site.

An Orthodox rabbi coordinated the dumping of 2,000 trash bags full of Jewish text and clothing on private land in Lakewood during Passover. Orthodox Jews are not permitted to discard the items, called shaimos, by normal means.

Some neighbors complained, calling it an illegal dump. The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a warning last week and ordered the Ocean County site cleaned up.

The agency says it is sensitive to the religious requirements and was allowing the bags to stay until it decides how to move them. The rabbi is expected to discuss options with DEP officials next week. - AP