To the Editors:

I have been attending Shabbat services since the end of last year when Rabbi Gadi invited me. And since I am not Jewish or looking to convert, I never would have thought that his invitation would change my life. But I love the services, and have found such a warm welcome that most Saturdays, that is where I want to be.
And I never expected that the first time I saw him raise the Torah, I would feel as though I were watching my own brother. So, as you can imagine, the manner of his break with the synagogue has been quite painful for me.
I’ve had one conversation with him since he was fired. He doesn’t seem to think he did anything wrong. He believes he was undermined by some of the board members.
But I can’t help but feeling that even if he is right, once the Board asked him to resign, his usefulness at Tifereth was over. And for the good of the Shul, he should have left.
Every Shul needs a Rabbi, but no one Rabbi is more important than the welfare of the congregation. I believe his actions are opening a divisive wound in the heart of the Shul, which will still need healing long after he is gone.

Sincerely,
Mary James