Attempt to Mediate in a Synagogue Dispute (2006)

/ Attempt to Mediate in a Synagogue Dispute (2006)

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November 2, 2006

Attempt to Mediate in a Synagogue Dispute (2006)

Passionate Moderation

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Letter about Mediating in a Dispute in a Synagogue (2006)

As I think you know, I am not by nature a meddler, but in this case I feel that the cause is worth the inconvenience of mediation. I have only one interest – to protect the Orthodox community from any more cynicism and Hillul Hashem. That having been said, and with full knowledge that I have not discussed this at all with I, here I offer you two parallel statements that I would like to propose to if indeed both of you will agree to this plan. If you do not, then there is no reason for me to continue my efforts – which will be a relief to me, and probably to you as well... Here are the two statements that I suggest you approve for me to present to M: 1) “I am aware of all the pain and grief that has occurred because of the strife between myself and certain people at and I wish it were not so. I regret that this has gone on for some months. I believe it is time for reconciliation, in which all who have injured others by word or deed, whether intentionally or unintentionally, express contrition for their actions. I certainly include myself in that category, and hope that others will, in all honesty and modesty, come forth and do the same.” 2) “I am sorry that I was involved in the controversy which has caused so much grief for our synagogue, and that many people have been hurt. For my part, I regret any responsibility I may bear for this state of affairs, and hope that others will do likewise.” I ask of you now not to decide between them, choosing one and rejecting the other, but to give me your order of preference – which first, and which second. While the proposed statements are not engraved in stone, they present us with an opportunity to be עושה שלום. Revising them so that they make the statement stronger or weaker, to any appreciable extent, may well result in scuttling the entire effort and make eventual reconciliation even more remote. If neither of these is acceptable to you, please be open with me and tell me. If you can manage to do as I ask, I will take the…