Chicago rabbi is out months soon after hostile workplace investigation

(RNS) — Three months following his return to the Chicago Sinai Congregation right after a leave of absence through which he was investigated for generating a hostile workplace lifestyle, Rabbi Seth Limmer is leaving the Reform synagogue.

In a letter to congregants of the well known synagogue on Wednesday (Might 11), the president of the board of trustees wrote: “Unfortunately, from time to time associations are ruined in techniques that simply cannot be repaired. We honor the legacy of his tenure, and want to concentrate on all the very good he has done during these many a long time.”

An impartial firm investigated Limmer past calendar year soon after grievances arose that in his 8 a long time as senior rabbi he had fostered a office culture that was discriminatory and disrespectful. 

It found no criminal carry out, moral turpitude or sexual misconduct but noted that “there have been times when the Rabbi’s actions did not dwell up to our highest values.”

Limmer was permitted to return to the pulpit in February.

Connected: After #MeToo, hostile workplace complaints prompt synagogues to investigate rabbis

At minimum 3 outstanding Reform synagogues undertook identical investigations of their rabbis above the earlier two years, symbolizing a new level of moral accountability in the Reform motion, the premier Jewish group in the United States.

Rodef Shalom Rabbi Aaron Bisno, centre, provides his sermon with soloist Molly May, left, all through a provider that was streamed are living, Friday, March 20, 2020. (AP Photograph/Gene J. Puskar)

In Pennsylvania, the board of Pittsburgh’s Rodef Shalom Congregation put Rabbi Aaron Bisno on administrative depart last 12 months immediately after workers complained about his perform. In March, the board decided not to renew his contract. He experienced led the venerable 166-year-old congregation, Pittsburgh’s premier Reform synagogue, considering that 2004.

And in Minneapolis, Rabbi Michael Adam Latz of Shir Tikvah Congregation resigned in the wake of an investigation into “long-standing, considerable challenges with his interactions with personnel.”

Under federal legislation, a hostile workplace is a person with discriminatory and unwelcome conduct directed at an specific or a team due to the fact of his, her or their protected status, be it race, age, sexual orientation, gender, incapacity, religion or marital standing.

Rabbi Seth Limmer. Photograph through Chicago Sinai Congregation

Limmer’s tenure has been marked by high turnover amongst the synagogue’s staff, some of whom resigned or were dismissed. In the wake of his return, an affiliate rabbi at the synagogue took a 12-7 days sabbatical a further associate rabbi declared he was having another career at the conclude of June.

It was unclear Wednesday what led to Limmer’s departure. Out of worry for respect and confidentiality, the board of Chicago Sinai wrote: “We hope you will understand this implies we may not be able to solution your queries.”

Limmer also serves on the board of the Reform movement’s rabbinical affiliation, the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

The Chicago Sinai board leadership did not respond to a ask for for remark.

Relevant: Pittsburgh rabbi is out following hostile office investigation