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April 30, 2021
This has been a challenging week for our community, particularly for those individuals who were mistreated and hurt, including those that bravely came forward. Revelations about Central Synagogue’s former rabbi, a man who once served as President of HUC, are beyond disturbing. Our resolve to ensure the continued well-being, dignity, and respect of every individual in our community is our greatest priority, as we further our ongoing efforts towards understanding, accountability, and teshuva.
Earlier today, we finalized an agreement with the law firm of Morgan Lewis to conduct an independent review of accounts of inequitable experiences within our community over the past decades. They will do so with integrity, understanding, and fairness to all involved.
Morgan Lewis has done significant work in both the #MeToo and racial justice areas, helping their clients address problematic conduct and better their workplace culture for both women and people of color. Morgan Lewis will establish a dedicated email address for those who wish to reach out to them. A separate communication detailing more information about the process will be issued next week.
As Shabbat approaches, our distress is countered by the hope, joy, and pride we feel as we begin the cycle of Graduation and Ordination Ceremonies of our 146th academic year at our campuses in New York, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles. Over the next few weeks, we will celebrate the achievements of our ordinees and graduates. And now, as the newest leaders and teachers of the Jewish People and the larger world, we look to them to transmit our tradition’s wisdom and highest ethical values to their congregations, institutions, and communities.
As we look forward, let us recommit to our work together, with sensitivity, empathy, and caring, toward healing and reconciliation.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sue Neuman Hochberg
Chair, Board of Governors
Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D.
President
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