The Jewish Chronicle in England reports:
One of the United Synagogue’s most senior rabbis has decided to stick with his London congregation after turning down the chance to head a major New York synagogue.
Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, who has been with Mill Hill Synagogue for more than 30 years, was approached by Park East Synagogue last year. He was back in New York over the weekend, where he addressed a meeting of the community.
But in a statement released by the United Synagogue this week, he said he was staying put.
“I am flattered that the prestigious Park East Synagogue courted me and that the search committee and eminent rabbi offered me the job in principle, subject to community vote,” he said.
“But I have written to the search committee this morning to thank them and decline the offer because the amazing Mill Hill community has been and will remain home.”
In his recommendation to appoint Rabbi Schochet, the chairman of the synagogue’s search committee had said they were had been looking for “a strong and stately man with the ability to be a leader of the congregation – on and off the bimah”.
Founded in 1888, Park East has been led for more than 50 years by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who is 92.
He’s always amazing
They were too liberal for him. True story.
He refused to compromise halacha. They lost out
His eloquence and activism would attract the board of such a Shul but in the end he is Chabad and not a Modern Orthodox Zionist
He is a man of principal.
Kudos to you Rabbi Shochat. Despite my personal views here, I always respect a man especially a Rabbi has a strong conviction to what he believes.