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Friday 24 May 2013

Rabbi Chaim Halpern conducting a wedding a ‘serious error’, says United Synagogue

From: http://www.thejc.com









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.”


6 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. The US condem but they allowed it in the first place24 May 2013 at 18:53

    This man is so strong minded and so strong willed that he would not decline no matter the fuss.

    The 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??????

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    Replies
    1. what part of his bail has he breached?

      Delete
  3. Constable Plod27 May 2013 at 07:07

    In what way has he breached his bail conditions? Was he prohibited from solemnizing marraiges?

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  4. I am told that his brocho instigated the shidduch. Surely he for doing this he deserves to be rewarded with the 'siddur'.

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  5. Consolation prize for missing his first cousin's wedding in Belz. Brocho Achrita was given to 'Rav Halperin fin Hendon'.
    He 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...

    ReplyDelete