Hawaii Temple Beset by Controversy Elects New Board, Ousting Rabbi

Hawaii’s largest temple, beset by synagogue politics that spurred a violent incident and allegations of “Nazi-like propaganda,” cemented the ouster of its rabbi with the election of a new board.

Cliff Halevi won Sunday’s election, becoming the new board president of Honolulu’s Temple Emanu-El, the only Reform temple on the island of Oahu.

In May, the congregation narrowly voted not to renew the contract of Rabbi Peter Schaktman, which expires in June. During the vote, police were called to the temple after a male temple member allegedly forced a female member to the ground during an argument over a third congregant recording the meeting on video, according to reports by the Star Adviser and The Associated Press.

Leading up to the election, Halevi’s mother sent an email that featured images of a swastika and Adolf Hitler, alleging that her son had been the subject of “Nazi-like propaganda,” reported the Star Adviser.

Read More: @ haaretz.com

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