Fix this mess

ANALYSIS: YOSSI ARON

THERE are various ways to fund communal services such as Melbourne’s eruv and beth din.¬†The current model is through the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV), which collects its funds from synagogue members.¬†The council’s future appears to be in danger, but given that the COSV plays such a major role in the life of the Orthodox community what matters most is that the current impasse is resolved as quickly as possible and that service provision continues.

The eruv has become such an important part of life in Jewish Melbourne because it enables Orthodox Jews to push prams and wheelchairs, carry essential items such as house keys and generally get out and about on Shabbat. Older members of the community would well remember just how restrictive Orthodox life was in pre-eruv Melbourne.

And as for the beth din, COSV involvement, including funding its administration, also ensures we have corporate governance and accountability two elements that were sadly lacking in past models run purely by the rabbis. What is clear is that as it stands, the COSV does not run on a user-pay system and there are a significant number of people who enjoy the benefits of the COSV without contributing to its administration. 

Whatever is decided over the next few weeks, this is one aspect of the COSV that has to change.¬†Yossi Aron is The AJN’s religious affairs editor and has been professionally involved with the COSV for many years.