Americasroof via Wikimedia Commons
An Upper West Side synagogue has revealed what it called “credible” allegations of sexual assault against a former rabbi with an otherwise honorable legacy within the community.
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Marshall T. Meyer served as the Rabbi of B’nai Jeshurun from 1985 until his death in 1993. The synagogue, which is located at 257 West 88th Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue), announced the findings against Meyer in an email to its congregation, according to The Times of Israel.
“Although it is no longer possible to speak with Rabbi Meyer, we found the report credible that he abused his position of power,” the email, penned by current synagogue leaders, revealed. “While this relates to a historical incident, our sense of responsibility remains as strong today as if it occurred recently. The thought that anyone could be harmed in our community is painful.”
While the congregational email did not provide specifics of the allegations, it did state that a member of the synagogue in the 1980s recently revealed that Meyer had “sexually assaulted them by engaging in non-consensual contact.”
“We thank the individual for coming forward to report their experiences and providing us with the opportunity to address the harm caused. We offer our deepest apology on behalf of B’nai Jeshurun.”
According to B’nai Jeshuren’s website, Rabbi Meyer played a significant role in reviving the synagogue and was successful in “attracting many people with his impassioned Judaism, blending social activism, spirited musical worship, and a vision of an open and inclusive community.” Before joining B’nai Jeshurun, Meyer spent more than 25 years serving in Argentina, where a rabbinical school he founded still bears his name.
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The Times of Israel reports that B’nai Jeshurun has contracted a specialized law firm, Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group, to investigate claims against Meyer and the synagogue.
“We know this is a lot to take in,” the email to congregants read, according to The Times of Israel. “Our rabbis are here to provide pastoral care related to this matter. We are here to listen and support.”
We’ve reached out to B’nai Jeshuren and the synagogue had no comment, but they did provide the letter, which can be read here.
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During those very years I lived next door on a floor where you could hear the kids playing on the rooftop playground of the school attached to the shul.