Board members quit over rabbi

HALF of the board of South Head Synagogue did not stand for re-election this week, following a showdown with the shul’s Rabbi Benzion Milecki.

The fight over the future direction of the synagogue became so intense earlier this year that Rabbi Milecki told the board that his “physical and emotional health has deteriorated significantly”.

The AJN can exclusively reveal that since early 2015 some members of the board had plans to bring in a second, younger, rabbi to cater for the younger section of the community.

Half of the board continued to meet with the rabbi to progress the idea, but the push was resisted by Rabbi Milecki because he said that there was no money, no structure in place and no proper role for the new position.

The dispute came to a head in February, when The AJN understands that the rabbi fronted the full board and told them to back him or sack him.

“I have served our community diligently and with great personal and family sacrifice for over 30 years,” Rabbi Milecki said.

“However, as a result of events in the shul over the past 14 months, my physical and emotional health has deteriorated significantly.”

Rabbi Milecki even offered to resign as the head rabbi after more than 30 years with the congregation and offered to work as the “Rabbi Emeritus of the congregation with a very limited role and a pension” to make way for the new rabbi.

Rabbi Milecki told the board that the president’s view was that the only way forward was to employ a new associate rabbi, with the intention of him succeeding to the top post after a short number of years.

“I have consistently said that this is not a workable position as it is ill-defined and would lead to conflict and aggravation.

“The endless procrastination has undermined my confidence, caused me endless anxiety, sleepless nights and deteriorating physical health.

“Please be aware of the deterioration of my health. This is my time of need and yet I do not feel your support.”

Following his comments, the entire board, including president Malcolm Kofsky, assured the rabbi that he was loved by them and the community.

At a later board meeting the board “resolved to work with Rabbi Milecki to develop a clear, agreed plan for the sustainable future of the shul under his leadership”.

Kofsky and fellow board member James Hochroth went to the rabbi’s home to assure him that he had the support of the community, but Kofsky also told the rabbi at the time he would not re-stand for election.

At the board’s annual general meeting on Monday night Kofsky, Ian Charif, Dale Carr, Lonn Miller and Robbie Blau all stood down.

Hochroth was elected as the new president of the shul.

JOSHUA LEVI