New York – Riverdale Jewish Center has asked for the resignation of its rabbi, Jonathan Rosenblatt, following the May 29 New York Times report about the rabbi’s habit of taking young male congregants into the shower, sauna, or hot tub with him as part of his mentoring program.
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The rabbi had a well-established practice of inviting the young men to first play squash or racquetball before “showering and schmoozing in the sauna,” The Jewish Week reports (http://bit.ly/1S2GmNM).
In a Board of Directors meeting this past Monday night, members voted 34-8 to reach a financial settlement with the rabbi in exchange for him stepping down after more than three decades of service to the 700-member Modern Orthodox shul in Riverdale.
The Board concluded that because of the controversy, Rabbi Rosenblatt was no longer able to discharge his duties, but did not address the allegations against him. Members were advised that should someone file a civil or criminal lawsuit alleging abuse, they could be held financially liable for damages because they have a “fiduciary responsibility,” and the rabbi’s practice was well known.
Ben Brafman, Rabbi Rosenblatt’s attorney, told The Jewish Week, “We are working diligently and responsibly to address the issues that have been raised since the recent articles about Rabbi Rosenblatt have been published. I remind you, however, that Rabbi Rosenblatt has not been charged with any criminal offense. In my judgment, he will never be charged. Accordingly, I caution everyone involved to take a deep breath so that this matter can be resolved fairly and with the dignity Rabbi Rosenblatt has earned in three decades of service to the community.”
Last week, the rabbi sent a letter to his congregants saying he has sincere “regret if my conduct at any time inadvertently offended anyone during my many years of service. “I want to assure you, however, that it was never my intention to cause any harm, nor did I ever do anything that was unlawful. If any of you feel that my behavior, even if innocent, was inappropriate, I apologize to those affected.”
He added that he and his family feel “anguish” and that his “silence in the face of public accusations and attacks” should not be “construed as my agreeing with my accusers. Nothing could be further from the truth.” He stated that his attorney “counseled silence on all matters of substance.”
Both the rabbi’s supporters and detractors have described the situation as “sad” and avoidable. They hope the matter will soon be resolved.
Sounds like he just played ball and then showered as most guys do in a gym. Probably not so appropriate for a Rav but it doesn’t sound like he did anything wrong. Most of us (men) have likely showered in a gym before or sat in a sauna with others. Any nice gym has these type of amenities. It might be weird to be there with a Rav but it doesn’t sound like he ever touched them or did something wrong.
Sad for everyone involved. Hopefully this puts an end to this strange chapter and all concerned can go on with their lives.
It is just incredible that in the age of well publicized scandals such as that of sex offender Sandusky at Penn State, the board of the Riverdale Shul kept “Rabbi” Rosenblatt as their “spiritual leader,” knowing for years that he showered naked with congregant boys. Human stupidity is just beyond the pale in every strata of society. No one is immune across the spectrum.
Yet no one has accused him of touching or fondling them, only naked showers and naked saunas. Maybe his idea of shedding the externalities of life to arrive at the real inner meaning of man with out the externalities?
When you keep sweeping dirt under the rug it eventually comes out in a big mess. That’s what happened at the Georgetown Synagogue, that’s what is happening at the Riverdale Jewish Center and that is what will happen to Young Israel when their fraud and forgery to coverup the excommunication of their heretic rabbi in Las Vegas comes to light. See http://cleanupyoungisrael.blogspot.com/
I personally feel for the rabbi, as mentioned nothing major was done wrong and pleased that this is his outcome and nothing worse, just wondering what would’ve happened had this been a chassidish rabbi, surly everyone would be on their fours bashing, as always
Irrespective of the good faith of his actions, he is exposing the shul to legal action. The board of directors is taking the best course of action to protect itself and the assets of the congregation.
This is ridiculous – he did nothing wrong – this is no different than showering by gym class at most public high schools
the question is not if he did anything wrong. a cantor who can not sing is no cantor. a rabbi who act like this is no rabbi.
I wonder if those demanding his resignation have such an “immaculate” record bein adom la’mokom and bein adom l’chavero
On the face of it, this appears to be an example of poor judgement from the Rabbi. The congregation has also shown poor judgement; having been aware of his practices and not acting effectively to stop it. They were complicit.
This type of poor judgement, from a Congregational Rabbi, disqualifies him from being the “model” to guide his flock; particularly those in their formative years.
It is painful to see a talented man misjudge the perception of his behavior.
He is a great grandson of Yossele Rosenblatt
Here’s my question: While I can justify playing squash with the young male congregants (maybe that’s how MO Rabbis forge relationships with their congregants?) why go naked into a shvitz with them? Take a shower and go home.
i would recommend that every rabbi in a mikvah at the same time as children should be arrested following this logic.
The rabbi is innocent and should not Iose his job. I certainly don’t believe a modern orthodox rabbi would doing anything perverted. On the other hand, if he were a conservative or reform rabbi that would be a totally different situation. The hub of modern orthodoxy is Yeshiva University. There Rabbi Hershel Shechter shlita their dean fully condones their having gay clubs. So if a modern orthodox person has c’v some uncontrollable urge to commit an abomination under Torah law related to male gay conduct, he simply goes to spend time at the YU gay club. Where can the conservative and reform get that?
for anyone who is saying what did he do that was inapropriate, this article does not go into details. Read the original expose on new york times from May 29th. You will change your mind on this story.
Why posting posts like this all the time?
not wishing to blame the victim, I must say don’t these teenage boys in this day and age know what seems right or wrong? Don’t their parents tell them time and time again how to behave, or how not to let someone put them in such an environment.
No Rabbi should sit in a sauna or pool etc with young teenage boys…..of course naked, what they wore their jeans?
He appears to have done nothing all that wrong. Of course, his being Modern so to speak Orthodox, provides a lot of ground for suspicion.
It appears that the NY Times reporter sensationalized this story and blew it way out of proportion.
By everyone’s admission, nothing illicit ever occurred. Sitting in the sauna is usually with a towel. The article is loaded with innuendo not substantiated by facts. A sad detour for the rabbi and his community.
The rabbi is a fool. with what going on today what was he thinking