New York – The last two weeks have brought reports of very troubling allegations against Rabbi Leib Tropper, founder of Eternal Jewish Family (EJF), an organization that has sought to influence conversion standards.
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I am not the only one outraged by the recent events related to Rabbi Tropper, who has resigned from his position at EJF. While what he allegedly did (he has not denied it yet) is despicable, the EJF train wreck will actually get worse if all we continue to hear from the EJF leadership is silence.
I have heard number of Rabbis call for the disbanding of the EJF, while there are others who are hopeful that the EJF can recreate itself. One thing is for sure, EJF will never recreate itself if there is no apology.
The current EJF rabbinic leadership must do three things:
1. Repudiate the actions of Rabbi Tropper,
2. Apologize for the chillul hashem created by the EJF due to Tropper’s actions, and
3. Come clean about the various claims of financial “funny business” at the organization.
In the words of Marshal Goldsmith, a well-known leadership consultant, apologizing is “the most magical, healing, restorative gesture human beings can make.” He also explains that refusing to say “I am sorry” to someone you may have wronged is the equivalent of saying “I don’t care about you.”
Goldsmith makes the point that when one apologizes, one is in effect saying, “I can’t change the past. All I can say is I’m sorry for what I did wrong. I’m sorry it hurt you. There is no excuse for it and I will try to do better in the future.”
Whether or not the rabbinic leadership of EJF knew about Tropper’s misdeeds is beside the point. (I do find it interesting that so many find it impossible to believe that Tropper duped the rabbinic leadership of the EJF; as if to say that Halachik and Talmudic expertise makes one an expert in human psychology and immune to be tricked by a guy like Tropper.) What is important is that the EJF leadership must take responsibility for what Tropper did if they ever wish to move past this episode.
Rabbi Barry Gelman is the Rabbi of United Orthodox Synagogues in Houston, TX
this from a man whos website says the following
THE DOS AND DONT’S OF RE-HEATING ON SHABBAT:
Important Standards of Shabbat Food Preparation for the United Orthodox Synagogues Community
Prohibitions regarding cooking or heating food on Shabbat are based on the Torah prohibitions of not cooking and not using fire on Shabbat and the rabbinic extensions of these laws. Observing them is a personal decision for each individual and family to contemplate on their own.
We have had enough of this already. We need to stop beating the dead horse. Let’s move on. Nigmar.
I know virtually nothing about EJF except what I have been reading online. There is a statement from EJF that effectively dissociates the organization from LT. However, this situation prompts the showering of guilt, responsibility, and accusations. And the common theme here is to point fingers and pronounce “guilt by association”.
Much the same occurs for yeshivos or other organizations in which various improprieties occur. The calls for disbanding, closing, arresting others all come in loud and clear, and I seriously question how many of these calls are warranted. One is justly angered by the allegations against LT. I haven’t a clue whether these are true, and I can accept the allegations, at the very least, as cause for suspicion and dismissal (which he pre-empted by resigning). This is indeed a black eye for the frum community when a “rabbi” is caught doing the unspeakable. There have been numerous allegations about LT floating around for a while, and this is also a black eye. But I would not rush to pronounce his neighbors, family members, etc., guilty by association. The anger is appropriate, but the anger that is duly directed at LT is dispersing everywhere else. Again, perhaps the organization deserves disbanding, but I haven’t seen enough to support that. Has anyone else?
The EJP has said they are taking steps to avoid any similiar incidents. its time to forgive and move on.
What are the chances; the same group who adhere so strictly to the concept of emunas chachamim must now stand up and state that these so called eminent rabbanim and luminaries are not chachamim or state they can no longer believe in the premise of emunas chachamim. Unfortunately you cannot have it both ways.
Ultraorthodox Judaism has not reached the sociological tipping point where it feels that it is beholden to other systems; hence, no apology will be forthcoming, there is no one to apologize to. Its’ adherents believe in the infallibility of the gedolim, and since EJF is a gedolim-sponsored entity, no chilul hashem could possibly have occurred. They claim “So one Jew succumbed to his desires, big deal”. I think Rabbi Gelman gives them more credit than is due them. And besides, they will claim that Rabbi Gelman has no right to offer a Torah opinion here, just look at the color of his shirt.
#1 am hararetz, do we not have free will? Do you not make a conscious decision to be shomer mitzvos every second? To mitigate this Rabbi’s cogent message based upon some out of context web parsing is a real amaratzim move.
this “rabbi” should apologize for being called a “rabbi.” in reality he should be sued for malpractice!
For all those who are tired of this topic:
Please realize that the OU/RCA would like this topic to remain on the front burner as to enable themselves to step in, and monopolize the Geirus world.
Reb Barry, when R’ Hershel Shechter can explain where OU/RCA standards went when he converted TRUMP, then perhaps we will listen to the lofty advice they have to offer.
Who needs them to apologize?
We need then to get out of town and dissapear!
and what do we want them to apologize for? what one silly rabbi did?
sounds like nothing but symantics to me.
This is so typical of the Yeshivish way of arguing – derail the subject so that one ends up discussing the tangent and that way the main issue doesn’t get dealt with.
The messenger is wrong as is the message. What Tropper did or didn’t do, is solely his responsibility. While people have issue with the EJF, (justfully or unjustfully), they can take it up in a different forum. Nobody has any evidence that anyone else but Tropper was in on it, and therefore no one needs to aplogize.
Kol Hakavod that they clearly state that he is out, just for the rumors, whether true or not. Sudying the backround of the man advertising all the garbage one needs to be sceptical as to how much of it is edited…….
It’s easy to blame others, the editor should look himself in the mirror on other issues (while not as exciting), and see how much the title Rabbi suits him.
The real issue is EJF anointing itself at the “Conversion Police”. Telling individuals-who are shomer mitzvos- decades after conversions that there is a problem. This created untold pain and emotional tzores. There needs to be proper standards for Giyures. However the actions of EJF, the unconditional support of certain prominent Rabbonim has led to greater chaos in the area of Giyures.
The leadership of EJF, and those that sanctioned its policies need to make a serious Chesbon Hanefesh for the pain and suffering it caused to many.
#1 – You took his words so out of context.
This is what follows your quote – “As a community we do not judge anyone for how or whether they implement these laws in their homes. People have a right to grow religiously and move towards observance at a pace appropriate for them. However, it is important for people to know what the community’s halachik standards are.
When you invite people to your home, which I would hope becomes a regular activity, you take upon yourself a responsibility to feed those guests food that they are halachically allowed to eat. That means keeping to community standards. In addition to making sure the food you serve is itself kosher according to community standards of kashruth, there are shabbat community standards which you need to observe regarding that food. Food that is cooked on Shabbat, or even heated incorrectly on Shabbat, is prohibited to be eaten.”
He then provides a detailed overview of food and heat for Shabbos and asks people to ask him their questions.
He is only doing his job.
Hediot Kofetz LaRosh
When we say Al Chet on Yom Kippur, we are required to disclose the entire Aveirah. What is completely missing from the EJFs position is disclosure. Disclosure of how much money was given and to whom it was given to keep Tropper’s behaviors a secret. Until this disclosure is made, how can we forgive?
If our youth and young couples don’t see the Gidolim and their organizations coming out denouncing and condemning in the strongest terms the acts of the disgraced Leib Tropper then our youth and young couples will lose the trust and true respect for any type of Torah authority in the future.
We most realize what is at stake here!
#21 : You are incorrect. FACT: R’ Hershel Shechter converted Trump. R’ Lookstein “contracted” it to the latter, as he knew that his geirus are not accepted by the Rabbinate in Israel.
I know what I’m talking about. Ask them straight out – they will not deny it.
Bottom line? Winston Churchill had it right; Its just a matter of how much $$$!
Can I ask a naive question here? I read all 38 responses and it seems that everyone accepts that Leib Tropper is guilty of the crimes accused of. You know, if I wouldn’t know better, I’d just accept his guilty verdict based on everyone’s unanimous consensus here.
Did anyone think that it is possible that he is not guilty, and maybe we should not be discussing this at all? Does anyone even think of the pain and suffering of his definitely innocent wife and children? I mean, they didn’t commit any crimes. Why don’t we realize that by condeming him we automatically condemn them and ruin their lives forever! I’m sure he has children that will need shidduchim one day. Why don’t we leave these situtions where thy belong? In court and between the accused and the supposed victims? Will we never change our ways, and will society continue to play judge to every situation that is revealed to us through media outlets or word of mouth? Don’t you think there is a halacha regarding this type of social judgment?
Will anyone take the time to think about what I’m saying and respond? Thank you.
Those that attack Rabbi (or whatever title) gelmn are totally a disgrace to yiddishkeit! He is not talking about halacha here but simple mentschlichkeeit for this organization. He is trying to offer closure for everyone so that people can reestablish some respec t for thos organization. Just because u won’t davein in his shul doesn’t mean he is not talking some common sense. It is like the “put under the rug response” of all the yeshia=vahs camps and major organizations in regard to the children molestation issue. We are not the Church and we need to show an example to others in dealing with these issues!
Rabbi Gelman,
In response to your 3 questions, you answered them yourself when you wrote “While what he allegedly did (he has not denied it yet)” .
Maybe he has not publicly denied it ( perhaps based on legal advice ) but privately he has.
There is no need to repudiate someone when they deny guilt.
He has therefore not caused the chillul hashem , but his false accusers have.
Does every organization you accuse of “funny money” have to come clean to satisfy you?
this rabbis is right on target.
whois the posik who permits reheating on shabbos??
HRAV HAGOAN R’ Ovadia shlita.
so all those without equivelant authority please dont show off.
2. in sanhedrin there werem many dais, and we went acrai rabim.
today we go to each ones rov, not to the loudest one, or the one with the most chassidim.
Reb Barry,
I read your article about Rabbi Leib Tropper and was very disappointed. You write as if the alleged actions by Rabbi Tropper are proven true.
I think you need to read the sefer “Chofetz Chaim.” First of all, Rabbi Tropper’s actions are FAR from being proven. The only evidence of his actions are a few tapes which appeared on the internet. In today’s day and age, do you actually believe tapes cannot be forged and/or tampered with and changed? Would you be content giving the death penalty to a suspected murderer that the only evidence is tapes on the internet. I think not!
The sin of Loshon Hora is considered greater than murder. A Baal Loshon Hora has no portion in the world to come.
The most interesting part of all of this is that you, off all people, should be hoping that Rabbi Tropper is innocent. Why? Because someone who speaks Loshon Hora about someone else receives that person’s sins as a punishment. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to receive such punishment for his “despicable behavior.”
Tshuva, Tefilla uTzedaka vaavirim es roa hagezera.
(this letter was emailed to him)
I think the attitude EJP is taking – thinking that if they don’t address the issue directly it will fade away by it self – is not true.
This story has made a big impact on the whole frum community and beyond, if honesty and accountability is not shown here then our Torah leaders have failed us, They most show responsibility.
while not a rabbi myself i think this EJF scandal brings several issues to the forefront..
first we can not,nor should we be smarter than the torah tells us..
as i understand halacha, if 3 kosher judges supervise a conversion with proper witnesses then the man/woman is jewish forever,,, no matter what the convert may do the next day nor 50 years later.. yisroel af al pi she chata yisroel hoo.
even if EJF types would not have agreed to the conversion from the get go, their perspective is irreleventt as i understand halacha.. the convert is and forever is jewish…
so my next question why do we need EJF i think it should be quietly and in shame buried.. i believe american rabbis did themselves a disservice by subjugating conversion issues to israeli charedim.. the halacha does not require it and it seems likea power grab to me..
i believe the torah method of local,knowledgable/competent orthodox rabbis should be the only ones invoved in local conversions… keep israel and politics (and perhaps bribery) out of it.. the local rabbi working with the convert knows him or her best… and like it or not halachically we need to accept and respect these conversions ….
1. Leib is still in control of Horizons/Kol Yaakov. EJF is a wholly owned subsidiary. So his resignation is cosmetic. Elya Ber Wachtfogel made a show of not replacing tropper, but his shammas Blum is in charge.
2. Stop dreing back and forth about how best to induce higher levels of shabbat observance with Jack and Jane in Osh Kosh. But Reuven Feinstein, certainly learned the dinim of nogeiah b’davar from Mosheh Feinstein. Yet he took $3million from Tropper, sat as chair of the halachic committee, and didnt ask enough questions. He is not Jack and Jane. He does not need to be told about nogeiah b’davar
3. I was one of those who got the tapes. They have been authenticated. They reveal a revolting person and one who clearly wasnt just a pervert but a corrupter of dayanos because he was bargaining sexual favors for conversion. Forget about his perversions. He corrupted dayyanos on something as critical as geirus.
4. You can find the same questions from a rabbi aligned with the eidah chareidis, R., Eidensohn at daattorah.blogspot.com. He is the one who started the firestorm on the web.
5. Tropper is not in trouble because he has enemies. He has enemies because he is big trouble.
Has anyone thought that the person who supposedly gave money to Rav Tropper Shlita, may not have done so, and has a nefarious reason for spreading these lies? I have very good reasons to believe that this is a fact. However, all this will come out in the courts. (Unfortunately, some Batei Din can and are being bribed nowadays).
This is typical of the vulture (a treif bird) mentality of the modern orthodox that look for every opportunity to criticize ultra-orthodoxy in order to prove their moral superiority. While they booted Mordechai Tendler for “alleged sexual improprieties” they should have issued a loud public condemnation when he took his shul to civil court without a heter arkaos. When his father, Moshe Dovid Tendler was caught lying about having Massered a respected Mohel to the NYC health department before any conclusiion was reached in their investigation, he shoudl have been condemned, when YU altered the 47 minutes of the recorded lecture to protect him, YU should have ben condemned. When the livlihood of hundreds of jewish families in Postville Iowa was endangered, they should have stood up for the Jewish families and not moved further left toward Hechsher Tzedek or PETA based on allegations that HAVE NEVER COME TO TRIAL. Rubashkin was never tried on animal cruelty violations (PETA never produced the raw unedited video- no evidence) and he was never tried on labor or immigration violations. MO has a lot of soul searching to do or they should officially join the “Conservative” movement.
U are so correct. The Human Resource mgr at Agri was found NOT guilty on all the immigration chgses against her. This resulted in tens of chges dropped originally by the Federal Govt. In addition Rubashkin denied employment TWICE to the FBI mole for having forged papers. Only after the FBI provided him with real working papers did he get into AGRI… In addition most of the NEW fraud chge (which he was convicted ) involved actions taken after the Immigration raid and the Rubashkins tried to save the business and community due to the raid. Noted lawyers have said that his crime was only “lying on an application” for an extended credit line.. It did not involve the original loans which was paid in a large proportion..
Unfortunately the actions of Rabbi Tropper enable people like Rabbi Gelman to beat up on more traditional orthodox institutions. While Rabbi Tropper’s actions do seem worthy of criticism, people like Rabbi Gelman will use any and every excuse to find fault with those that do not share their anti-torah agenda.
Hopefully Rabbi Tropper will somehow stay involved with the EJF or someone strict like him will take over.
Let’s not forget, these are only allegations against Rabbi Tropper. It seems there may be an organized political effort to take over geirus from the EJF. It won’t work because the opposition RCA/Gelman group doesn’t have the credibility of great Israeli gedolim of our generation behind it. The EJF does have their support and thus has unmatched credibility. Therefore people will accept the EJF despite what the RCA/Gelman group has to say.
Let’s remember, the implications of a failed geirus is devastating to Klal Yisroel. How can we allow these Rabbinic credibility issues around Geirus to go unaddressed.
Thank you Rabbi Tropper for accepting the punishment you are going through. Please don’t give up on us though. We need you.
#1 – you appear to be purposely looking to stir up trouble against this Rabbi by taking an excerpt out of context,. He is in fact trying to improve the halachic standards of the community in a spirit of understanding that everyone has the right to grow at his/her own pace while at the same time recognizing what the halacha states is the standard. Here’s a longer piece of what you pulled your excerpt from. You can see the entire thing here: http://www.uosh.org/uos/halachic.html#shabbat
Prohibitions regarding cooking or heating food on Shabbat are based on the Torah prohibitions of not cooking and not using fire on Shabbat and the rabbinic extensions of these laws. Observing them is a personal decision for each individual and family to contemplate on their own. As a community we do not judge anyone for how or whether they implement these laws in their homes. People have a right to grow religiously and move towards observance at a pace appropriate for them. However, it is important for people to know what the community’s halachik standards are.
When you invite people to your home, which I would hope becomes a regular activity, you take upon yourself a responsibility to feed those guests food that they are halachically allowed to eat. That means keeping to community standards. In addition to making sure the food you serve is itself kosher according to community standards of kashruth, there are shabbat community standards which you need to observe regarding that food. Food that is cooked on Shabbat, or even heated incorrectly on Shabbat, is prohibited to be eaten. I am confident that these community standards for Shabbat re-heating will help unify our community because they will allow everyone to feel comfortable hosting and being hosted on Shabbat, in any home in Houston. So here goes …
Do Not: Put any uncooked food or beverage on a hot burner, in a heated oven, in a crock pot that is on or in a heated urn on Shabbat itself. Moreover, there are many rules that apply even to fully cooked foods:
There is no reason at all the conversion should be through a central authority. It was never done this way before, and it should not be done this way now – there is too much temptation for chicanery.
And all these attacks on Gelman – shame on you! What does it take for us to ADMIT and CORRECT faults in our society? Don’t shoot the messenger. Address, head-on, the perversions of justice now on-going in the conversion world. Tropper (and his wife) took it to a sexual extreme, but there are still countless cases of simple sadistic power plays with hapless would-be converts.
We need to go back to the Rambam, and address conversions according to our classic Mesorah, and the core halachah. Almost nobody is doing that today, and it is a pure chillul hashem.
hakol moidim that this scahndahl has got to be the most fabulous one ever to hit judaism!!! better than dwek, madoff, or whomever……..yoh, tzu nisht?