Statistics and politics do not tell the true story of a rabbi [Elie Abadie] who has almost single-handedly built up the Sephardic community on the Upper East Side. (“Safra Shul Controversy Breaks Into Public View,” Jan. 6)
Just spend one Shabbat there and you will witness a rabbi who exudes warmth and makes every congregant and visitor feel welcome and important. You cannot measure in dollars what he has done to perpetuate Jewish observance and education [through] his congregants, and the community through the synagogue and in the preschool that he helped create.
He is a man of vision, intelligence and wisdom that the Safra Foundation should be thrilled is leading their congregation and community.
Let’s hope that the outpouring of public support for the rabbi enlightens the foundation about how important he is to the community and pushes them to work things out with him amicably and without a public debate. He deserves that respect and the community needs him to continue his important work.
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