Rabbi Lazarow, TBI part company
Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Israel, and the shule's board arrived at a mutually agreed decision.
Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Israel (TBI), has departed after he and the shule’s board reached a separation agreement.
In a letter to members and in a media statement this week, TBI president Joanne Loewy Irons announced, “It is with sadness that I am writing to you today to let you know that following ongoing discussions between the board and Rabbi Gersh Lazarow, we have arrived at a mutually agreed decision for Rabbi Lazarow to leave his position as senior rabbi at TBI, effective immediately.
“I know that many in our community will be disappointed in this outcome, and in some of the background factors that have led us to this point. In many ways, the board shares this disappointment, but at the same time supports Rabbi Lazarow’s decision to leave,” stated Loewy Irons, adding, “Rabbi Lazarow has always framed his leadership around positivity and hope”.
As reported in The AJN in recent months, Rabbi Lazarow stood down late last year amid allegations he plagiarised sermons, drashes and articles spanning and pre-dating his nine years at TBI. Since standing down, further allegations were made that he plagiarised material relating to his assessment for s’michah (ordination). A review of all allegations by the Central Conference of American Rabbis is underway.
Last month, Rabbi Lazarow stated he is “wholeheartedly committed to owning my actions and making teshuvah for my mistakes”.
He had not responded to The AJN‘s request for a comment by press time.
Progressive Judaism Victoria (PJV) president Philip Bliss stated, “PJV hopes that the TBI congregation, that has been the most affected by this ongoing saga, can now begin to heal. It is the members who have been so traumatised and PJV will support every move that the TBI board undertakes that would bring healing and mutual respect back into our community.”
Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) co-presidents Brian Samuel and David Knoll stated, “We wish Rabbi Lazarow all the best for his future endeavours. We have appreciated his support in the UPJ in the time that he has been senior rabbi … we know there is a positive path forward for both TBI and Rabbi Lazarow.”
In May last year, Rabbi Lazarow resigned from TBI amid reports of tensions within the synagogue and the Progressive community. However, in June, he rescinded and was welcomed back by the board. Allegations of plagiarism surfaced in September.
Sydney’s Rabbi Gary Robuck has begun as TBI’s interim rabbi for 12 months. The AJN understands a search committee will be formed to find a permanent senior rabbi.
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