By Simon Rocker,
May 24, 2013
The United
Synagogue has strongly criticised the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations
for allowing Rabbi Chaim Halpern, who is under police investigation over
alleged sexual abuse of women, to officiate at a wedding.
Rabbi
Halpern, the leader of the Divrei Chaim community, took part in a ceremony
under the UOHC’s auspices on Wednesday afternoon at Finchley United Synagogue,
which houses the Kinloss banqueting suite.
In a
statement, a spokesman for the US said that it considered the UOHC’s approval
of Rabbi Halpern’s participation as “wrong and a serious error of judgment”.
Rabbi
Halpern, who has denied any wrongdoing in connection with counselling sessions
for women, has been bailed to return to a police station in July.
A special
Beth Din set up by the UOHC to look into the allegations against him has been
suspended pending police inquiries.
No one was
available from the UOHC to comment.
The US said
that its synagogues were hired out for dozens of weddings each year under the
Union’s auspices.
“The United
Synagogue is not involved in the authorisation or solemnisation of such
marriages and relies on the UOHC to ensure that a suitable person officiates,”
a US spokesman said.
“The former
head of the London Beth Din and two current dayanim in their capacity as
north-west London rabbonim have already publicly made their views very clear
concerning Rabbi Halpern.
“Rabbi
Halpern’s own governing body, the UOHC, has seen fit to initiate a high-profile
investigation that has not yet been concluded. In addition to which, he is
under police investigation.
“We therefore
consider his authorisation by the UOHC to officiate at this marriage wrong and
a serious error of judgment.”
Not only is it crazy for the UOHC to override Dayan Friedman, but it's astonishing that R. C. Halpern himself did not decline the invitation.
ReplyDeleteThis man is so strong minded and so strong willed that he would not decline no matter the fuss.
ReplyDeleteThe question is :
1) Why did the United Synagogue allow it to take place on their premises (all be it in their courtyard)?
Then they went on to complain, it took place in their premises!
2) Why did the Union allow it? They knew that it would make the community loose even more trust for them.
I am more intrested as to why ch has not been arrested for breaching his bail??????
what part of his bail has he breached?
DeleteIn what way has he breached his bail conditions? Was he prohibited from solemnizing marraiges?
ReplyDeleteI am told that his brocho instigated the shidduch. Surely he for doing this he deserves to be rewarded with the 'siddur'.
ReplyDeleteConsolation prize for missing his first cousin's wedding in Belz. Brocho Achrita was given to 'Rav Halperin fin Hendon'.
ReplyDeleteHe also missed his second cousin's wedding in Sanz. Oyvey, the Ruv fin Divrei Chaim hot farpassed der helige Zanser Einekels Chassunah!
Der zeide R' Chuna hot mechabed geveen Posek Hador R' Shmiel Vozner shlita mit siddir Kiddishin.
Hanistorois Lashem Eloikeinu...