Rabbi and shul board clash
A BITTER feud has erupted between South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation’s board and Rabbi Yacov Barber, who hasn't been seen in the shul since July 1.
A BITTER feud has erupted between South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation’s rabbi and board.
Rabbi Yacov Barber hasn’t been seen in the shul since July 1, when he claims that his position was effectively terminated by the synagogue’s board because they wanted to change his employment conditions.
Rabbi Barber, who has held the pulpit at South Caulfield for more than 25 years, claimed that after meetings with the board earlier this year he was told his position at the shul would be safe and secure.
“However, on May 22, 2016, the executive via their lawyer gave me an ultimatum to terminate my employment with the shul or accept a drastically reduced function and salary from July 1, 2016,” Rabbi Barber said in a letter to the community on Monday.
“Simply put in this correspondence the executive were effectively engaging in conduct which has been perceived as terminating my position as rabbi of our shule.”
The rabbi said to protect his civil, legal and halachic rights he stopped attending the shul.
But in contrast, the shul’s board say that Rabbi Barber was not dismissed and that he effectively walked out on the congregation.
The board wrote to congregants last week saying that they wanted to change the rabbi’s duties, but he has “chosen not to perform any duties” in protest.
“Rabbi Barber has referred the dispute to his own lawyers and also the Sydney Beth Din,” the board said.
“The board is in the process of trying to arrange the terms of a mediation or arbitration to try to resolve the matter in accordance with both Australian law and halachah as appropriate.
“Despite the dispute, the board considers it has treated Rabbi Barber fairly, with compassion and respect, and we are committed to continue to do so.
“The board considers that it is acting in the best interests of the shul, which of course is a not-for-profit organisation.
“We remain hopeful that we will be able to reach a mutual acceptable resolution with Rabbi Barber in the near future.”
Yossi Aron, who has been assistant minister at the congregation for almost four decades, has been running services at the congregation while the rabbi and the board try and resolve the dispute.
Despite the upheaval, the shul is insisting it’s business as usual. Along with the High Holy Days, planning is well underway for Succot, Simchat Torah and Chanukah events.
JOSHUA LEVI
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