The former board of management of the New West End Synagogue, which was discharged this weekend by the United Synagogue, British Jewry’s governing synagogal body, for defying the parent body and Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie on the appointment of a new rabbi, has called a meeting for next Sunday to seek support for the establishment of a separate congregation.
Dr. Louis Jacobs, whose appointment as minister of the New West End Synagogue was rejected by Chief Rabbi Brodie, would serve as minister of the new congregation. The members of the New West End Synagogue will be invited to join the new congregation.
The honorary officers and the board of management of the New West End Synagogue had been discharged by the United Synagogue after Dr. Jacobs was appointed as minister over the objections of the Chief Rabbi, who has indicated that he believes Dr. Jacobs’ views are not in line with Orthodox Judaism. The United Synagogue owns the property of the New West End Synagogue, as it does that of all affiliated congregations.
The former officers of the New West End Synagogue said today that there was no hope of a reconciliation with the United Synagogue unless it agrees to the appointment of Dr. Jacobs.
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