Heavy Traffic Expected In Lakewood For Funeral For Head Of Beth Medrash Govoha Yeshiva

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Tens of thousands of people are expected in Lakewood Wednesday morning for the funeral of Grand Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon, head of Beth Medrash Govoha of America, who died Tuesday night, Lakewood police said.

Salomon was loved by many, Lakewood Police Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said, "and we anticipate a very large gathering of those wishing to pay their respects."

Salomon, 86, died at his Lakewood home following "a years-long illness," the Lakewood Scoop reported.

Salomon was born in Gateshead, England, and studied for 16 years at the yeshiva there, VIN News reported. He eventually became head of the Gateshead yeshiva and led it for 30 years before becoming head of BMG in 1998, that report said.

Staffordsmith said Forest Avenue is closed from Fourth Street to 14th Street until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and parking is full.

Those coming to the area are advised of the following:

• Shuttles will be available intermittently in the area
• Please be prepared to walk. Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.
• If using NJ Transit, walk west from 1st Street and cross Madison Avenue at intersections with traffic signals located at 2nd Street, 4th Street, and 6th Street. Then proceed north on Forest Avenue to 7th Street.
• All buses are requested to enter Forest Avenue at 14th Street and proceed southbound to drop off at 7th Street.
• Buses can park at the Lakewood Blue Claws lot located at 2 Stadium Way while waiting for pick up.