CONNECTICUT COMPUTERS MISSING FROM RABBI The Advocate - Synagogue divided over rabbi, board

By John Nickerson
Staff Writer

Published November 22 2007

NORWALK - A struggle for control of Beth Israel Synagogue of Norwalk has erupted between the 108-year-old institution's board of directors and its spiritual leader, Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht.

Last week, the board voted to fire Hecht, and Monday night, the congregation responded by voting to fire the board, synagogue authorities said.

Norwalk police have received three calls from synagogue officials requesting protection and investigation of an alleged theft of office computers belonging to the rabbi and his secretary.

Synagogue President Jerome Klein, a Hecht supporter, said the trouble began Nov. 12, after he canceled a board of directors meeting, only to find out the board met without him that evening.

During the meeting, six or seven board members voted to fire Hecht, canceling the 10 or more years left on his contract, Klein said. Hecht has led the synagogue for 23 years.

The next morning, Hecht called police to report that two computers had been stolen and that he could not get into his office because the lock had been changed, according to a police report.

A board representative had hired an off-duty officer to "stand guard" while the board voted. The officer, hired from 7:30 to 11 p.m., was posted while management removed "several boxes" from the premises, said police Sgt. George Weir, who reviewed a report of the off-duty posting with The Advocate.

When detectives arrived the next morning to investigate the missing computers, Klein told them of the previous night's meeting and that members had entered the synagogue without permission.

Detectives then contacted board member Jeff Bernstein, who told them of the vote to fire Hecht and the removal of the computers, which he said belonged to the synagogue, the police report said. Hecht had told police that morning that his computer was given to him as a gift.

After speaking with attorneys, detectives determined the missing computers were part of an "internal conflict" in the synagogue.

As a result, they decided the dispute was a civil matter and there was no evidence of a crime, the police report said.

Klein, who was voted in as president with the rest of the board about six months ago, said that the vote to oust Hecht is not binding because Klein is the only one legally empowered to convene a board meeting.

Bernstein told police that Klein did not have the authority to cancel the meeting, the police report said.

The board's attorney, Neal Rogan, would not publicly discuss the disagreements between Hecht and the board of directors.

"I cannot answer allegations in the paper," Hecht said yesterday. "That is not for me to do. It is the furthest thing in my mind to show disrespect for an official board of directors."

At a congregational meeting Monday night, a majority vote was taken to recall the entire board of directors, Klein said.

Klein said he called police before the vote because he wanted an officer nearby to ensure a fight would not break out if arguments became heated.

Of the 75 or so families that belong to the congregation, about 70 voted on the question. Klein did not have exact figures, but he said about 45 families voted to disband the board.

Bernstein could not be located for comment. Another board member, Dr. Charles Halasz, said he did not want to comment and deferred to Rogan.

Speaking on behalf of eight of the 13 board members, Rogan said it was unfortunate that Klein chose to make public statements about the synagogue's private matters.

"I represent a majority of the board of directors of Beth Israel Synagogue who have at all times attempted in good faith to preserve the financial and spiritual assets of the synagogue. In addition, the statements made by Mr. Klein as to the results of any votes taken, or the status of Rabbi Hecht are factually and legally inaccurate," Rogan said.

Rogan said his clients were pursuing all legal options available to them and did not want to try the matters in the media.

Hecht said congregation members have spoken through their Monday night vote "with a very clear and persuasive majority."

"I am deeply pained that our very distinguished, loyal and capable president of the synagogue, Mr. Jerry Klein . . . has not been listened to, or respected, as president of the board who provides guidance and perspective to the younger members of the board of directors," Hecht said.

Hecht said the vote showed that the congregation loves its rabbi, even though they may have disagreements.

"I am not blaming anyone," Hecht said. "I am not condemning anyone. This is not a finger-pointing experience. In the final analysis, this is a family. A family that pulls together from time to time sometimes airs its differences."