Community
Essex shul leaders quit over ‘deep divisions’
Nine resign at troubled Reform congregation, citing 'fundamental differences' over key matters
December 21, 2018 11:54
ByBen Weich, Ben Weich NEWBURY PARK
1 min read
Nine resign at troubled Reform congregation, citing 'fundamental differences' over key matters
December 21, 2018 11:54ByBen Weich, Ben Weich NEWBURY PARK
Nine lay leaders of the troubled South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (Swesrs) have resigned en masse, citing “deep divisions” within the congregation.
The nine are president Paul Gersh; chairman Colin Joseph; vice-chair Judith Jacobs; secretary Jocelyn Laws; treasurer Jan Mortlock and council members Jerry Bernstein, Marion Joseph, Jack Matthews and Henry Smith.
They say they were “unable to carry out our roles on behalf of the community as effectively as we would wish, due to these divisions and constant friction”.
Steve Robbins, the new Swesrs chair, claimed to be “completely unaware” of any divisions.
In a letter to congregants, the resigning officers — who remain members of the shul — wrote that they had taken the “unprecedented step only after a considerable amount of soul searching and need to consider our wellbeing.
“Over the last six months, it has become apparent that there are deep divisions within our community and its elected trustees on the fundamental issues of religious ritual and doctrine, strategic direction and management/governance.
“We have worked tirelessly to try to resolve these differences but have been unable to sustain a constructive, harmonious working relationship. We wish our community every success for the future.”
An emergency council meeting was held to elect replacement officers.
“Those of us who remained as officers and on the council, sent an email to assure members that it was business as usual at Swesrs and that steps were being taken to ensure the smooth running of the synagogue,” Mr Robbins said.
“The new council is delighted by the level of support it has received from members. We are now looking forward to our community meeting in January, where around 100 members have already signed up to discuss the way forward for Swesrs.”
In August, the JC reported that the Newbury Park-based synagogue had considered making the post of full-time rabbi redundant for financial reasons, before shelving plans at the last minute.
Rabbi Lisa Barrett had faced the prospect of either losing her job or switching to a part-time role. Membership has declined and the decision by Norwood to close its centre on the synagogue premises had cost the shul rent worth nearly nine per cent of its income.
Gilly Shulman, head of community partnerships at Reform Judaism, said: “We are alongside our community, helping them to navigate this situation.”
