The Council of the United Synagogue, British Jewry’s governing synagogal body, discharged this weekend the honorary officers and the board of management of the New West End Synagogue which defied the United Synagogue and Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie in appointment of a new rabbi. The United Synagogue, which represents more than 80 synagogues, named four caretakers to administer the affairs of the synagogue. The vote on the resolution was 138 to 94.
The issue was the appointment of Dr. Louis Jacobs as rabbi of the synagogue, an affiliate of the Council, despite Rabbi Brodie’s withholding approval of Rabbi Jacobs. The Chief Rabbi has indicated he believes that Rabbi Jacob’s views are not in line with Orthodox Judaism.
Sir Isaac Wolfson, United Synagogue Council president, told the emergency session he felt the press should not attend the meeting because it involved “a domestic matter. ” It was learned that Sir Isaac then submitted the resolution for dismissal of the honorary officers and board of the synagogue and appointment of the four caretakers.
Sir Isaac said it had been claimed that Dr. Jacobs’ 1954 certificate was still valid but the United Synagogue was being guided by the Chief Rabbi’s notice that the old certificate was invalid and that he would not grant a new one.
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