Rabbinic Judaism Inc.

A Portable God for the World’s First Multinational Business

Sources:
Paul Johnson, A History of the Jews (Phoenix Grant, 1987)
Israel Shahak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion (Pluto Press, 1994)
Dan Cohn-Sherbok, The Crucified Jew (Harper Collins,1992)
Henry Hart Milman, The History of the Jews (Everyman, 1939)
Josephus, The Jewish War (Penguin, 1959)
Leslie Houlden (Ed.), Judaism & Christianity (Routledge, 1988)
Karen Armstrong, A History of Jerusalem (Harper Collins, 1999))
Jonathan N. Tubb, Canaanites (British Museum Press, 1998)
Norman Cantor, The Sacred Chain - A History of the Jews (Harper Collins, 1994)

Whatever daughter religions might spin off from old Judaism, the parent religion itself had inevitably to refashion itself for the new era. After the disaster of 135 AD, a number of Jews retreated into asceticism, banning meat and wine altogether, since sacrifice in the temple was no longer possible. Others lost themselves in mysticism, attempting to reach the ‘celestial throne’ via their imagination, the forerunners of the later ‘Kabala’.

But for all their suffering, most Jews were not ready to bastardise their traditional creed by infusing it with the dying godman mythology. The vacuum was filled by ‘Rabbinic Judaism’, the inheritor of the Pharisee tradition.

"The rabbis, a smallish group (perhaps a hundred or so in the whole Roman empire) of religious specialists descended from the Pharisees, gradually enhanced their status and developed a specifically Jewish way of arguing, which marked them off quite dramatically from both Christians and Romans." (Keith Hopkins, A World Full of Gods, p234)

In Palestine itself, where the Jews were now a minority, what remained of traditional Judaism turned inward. No longer could its priests use the ‘temple magic’ once used to summon divine favour, no longer could Judaism be proselytised.

The Rabbis became ‘clericalised’ – obsessed with cultic ‘rules’ as a practical substitute for the lost temple. They peopled the air itself with beneficent and malign spirits. A Jewish ‘code to live by’ - the Mitzvoth (the forerunner of ‘monastic rules’) detailed no fewer than 613 rules, governing every pious moment from waking to sleeping, to keep the Jew on the right side of an all-seeing God.

‘His rising from his bed, his manner of putting on the different articles of dress, the disposition of his fringed tallith, his phylacteries on his head and arms, his ablutions, his meals, even the calls of nature were subjected to scrupulous rules – both reminding him that he was of a peculiar race, and perpetually reducing him to ask the advice of the Wise Men, which alone could set at rest the trembling and scrupulous conscience.’ (Milman, History of the Jews, p165)

Within a few generations Judaism would be codified anew, into a portable (albeit confining) religion which could accompany and – fatally – identify this pseudo-race in their wanderings in the centuries ahead. By the close of the fifth century, the total population of Jews would be half of what it was at the beginning of the ‘Christian era’.(See, Cantor, ibid)

The Jewish people – dispersed but bonded by an exclusive faith, uniquely among ‘peoples’ – established enclaves in every major city from India to Spain, from Arabia to Britain. Capitalising upon this network of ‘safe havens’, and with a filial presence in every major resource, from African ivory to Germanic slaves, the Jews threw themselves into the commerce of the ancient world.

Jewish merchants traversed with impunity the hostile frontiers between Rome and Persia, sailed the sea lanes from the chilly rivers of Germany to the balmy seas off the Horn of Africa. The Jews became dealers in amber and fur, gold and silver, slave-traders and money-lenders.

But they were also dealers in superstition as well as produce:

‘The empire swarmed with Jewish wonder-workers, mathematicians, astrologers, or whatever other name or office they assumed or received from their trembling hearers.’
(MiIlman, History of the Jews, p158)

Levies on their new wealth paid for a programme of synagogue building, and in turn, the synagogues strengthened the bonds of the Jewish communities. Rarely assimilating into their host cultures, convinced they were especially favoured by the deity (and thus strengthened in their faith), the heady mix of piety and mercantilism rewarded the Jews with an unparalleled financial success – and an unequalled and universal opprobrium.



Sound familiar? UOJ

"WHEN HOLINESS FAILS" - (AND CONTINUES TO FAIL US WITH INTENT AND MALICE! - A MUST READ-UOJ)

When Holiness Fails

Neil Rubin
Editor - Baltimore Jewish Times


The following sermon was delivered by Rabbi Elan Adler on April 28, 2007 at Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation in Pikesville.......


A terrible thing has happened in our Jewish community, something that has caught us off guard and sent us reeling. We found out, through publicity in the BALTIMORE JEWISH TIMES, that even the holiest of Jewish people are only human, and that the Jewish community is not immune to sexual abuse by clergy and other people of authority.

By now you must have read the article, which was a cover story a couple of months ago, about a young man the JEWISH TIMES referred to as Steve, who was sexually abused by Orthodox Rabbis.

A few weeks ago, the JEWISH TIMES editor wrote of a group of men who gather as friends, all of whom shared experiences of being molested by Jewish teachers.

And just last week came the news of a well known and respected Orthodox rabbi whose sexual abuse was corroborated by several victims, most of them while they were kids and who are now in their 50's or 60's. The article graphically described what is known clinically as predatory behavior, by a revered teacher and rabbi who fondled and molested his students, perhaps as many as hundreds of them.

Many of you, as well as many in our community, were incensed by the article, feeling that it is lashon harah, evil gossip about someone, and further, considering that the rabbi died almost 20 years ago, the article was a disgrace of a man who could hardly defend himself against the onslaught of accusation. And besides, many of you said, he was a kind and comforting man who had the finest reputation, a reputation now being tarnished in full view of the public.

I have to say that when the most recent article first came out, and it named names which the first one didn't, I was torn. On the one hand, one teaching of our Jewish tradition kept flashing in my mind, and it actually comes from the names of the Torah portions this morning, which are Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. On their own, they are just names of portions, but when you put them together, they are a statement: Acharei Mot means after the death, and Kedoshim means holy things. Put together, it says,

After the death, you say holy things, and this has been a guiding principle for centuries, the idea that after someone passes away, you find the nicest and most complimentary things to say. In rabbinic school, when learning about how to prepare eulogies, we were taught exactly this: once someone has died, focus on the positive and desirable attributes of the person, and let the rest be.

That's how part of me felt when the recent article came out.

The other part of me was not reserved for this particular rabbi, but for any rabbi or cantor, or teacher or person of authority who would use their power and intimidation to violate the bodies of children under their care and supervision. I felt anger towards anyone, especially a religious Jew, who would repeatedly molest a child, knowing that the child would be scared to tell anyone. I felt anger for the victims, who didn't know where to turn or who to tell, and who would likely carry their shame in silence, and whose lives would be forever affected by the brazen abuser.

The story of abuse in our community in not about a deceased Rabbi, or about one particular segment of our community, or even about what should be published and what should not. In my opinion, the story of abuse in our community is how it has been misunderstood, how it has been covered up, and how it will be dealt with.

Sexual abuse has been terribly misunderstood. I know that because of the many ways confirmations of abuse have been mishandled by people who should have known better.

Do you remember when the extent of this abuse first became publicized about the Catholic Church? I remember when bishops and cardinals and others in high authority were cross-examined about what they knew, and when they knew it, and how they handled known molesters in the church.

When being asked, over and over again we heard testimony that sounded something like this: We didn't know what to do about the allegations regarding Father Dawson, but then we heard several more, and we knew we had to do something about it. So what did you do? Well, we mandated Father Dawson to seek psychological help or maybe even psychiatric help, and we thought that would cure the problem, and perhaps a month of that was not enough.

And after that month, did Father Dawson still have contact with children? Well, yes, we thought he was over the problem, and that his sessions with the professionals had straightened him out. That what the testimony sounded like over and over again. At best, not understanding; at worst, minimizing the problem, sending Father Dawson to parish after parish, where he abuses more and more, and in the wake of the misunderstood lusts of Father Dawson lay the strewn and ruined lives of his victims.

What were they thinking? Didn't they read today's Torah portion as part of the Old Testament? Didn't they read chapter 18 of the book of Leviticus, the many verses that describe the various relationships forbidden by the Torah? These verses are read on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year during the mincha service, and they are unbelievable in what they forbid. Do not have relations with your mother, do not have relations with your sister, do not have relations with your uncle, do not have relations with your sister-in-law, if you are a male, do not have relations with another male as you would with a female…….you've probably read these or heard of these, and you may ask, why did you call them unbelievable?

I'll tell you why, because most people reading this list of forbidden relationships would have a one-word Yiddish reponse- Feh! Who would want to have relations with these people? What kind of sick mind would go there? And the answer is exactly what makes the list unbelievable, and this is why God had to say them- because people do have these desires and these lusts, and they need to be curbed. Why didn't the hierarchy in the church not understand this and remove the priests from the temptations? Why did they think that a few sessions with a shrink would obliterate and extinguish what God himself knows to be in the human mind?

And so they were sent from parish to parish, exponentially victimizing unsuspecting children and teens, knowing that ignorance and silence are two of the greatest allies of sexual abusers.

And, my friends, the leaders of the Jewish community may have misdiagnosed the confirmations of abuse as well. In last week's Torah portion, in speaking of the Metzorah, the one who had a leper's disease, the Torah says in Leviticus 14:54, Zot Hatorah lechol nega, this is the law for every affliction. But the Talmud in Eruvin 54a has this teaching: Zot Hatorah, this Torah, the study of Torah, Lechol nega, is good for every ailment. The teaching was a very traditional one, namely, that for whatever ails you, the Torah is the remedy- if you have a headache, study the Torah. If you have any pain or affliction, the Torah is the remedy.

I can relate to you at least a dozen times where I've heard a parent of a formerly religious child, who had severe psychological problems or who was dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, when asking their Rabbi for help, the Rabbi would say, "if he studied the Torah more, if he davened better, if he performed more commandments, everything would be fine.”

It's a traditional teaching, but it's terribly misguided. Someone who is a sexual predator and abuser and molester needs heavy duty professional help over long periods of time. It doesn't matter if they're Orthodox, conservative or reform, reconstructionist, humanist, secular, Buddhist or Moslem, and to say that study or observance will take care of it is irresponsible and inexcusable.

So one story of abuse in our community is how it has been so gravely misunderstood and therefore minimized to the detriment of the innocent victims.

You may say, Rabbi, we didn't know then what we know now, about human behavior and how to treat people who abuse. That may be so, but another story of abuse in our community is those who knew, and continue to know, and who say nothing.

They say nothing because they don't want to shame or embarrass their institutions. They say nothing because they don't want to embarrass the family of the abuser, or because they feel it will affect the "marriagability” of the abusers children or even the abused. Or they say nothing because they think the problem will go away, or because they pity the abuser who can't control himself but who is otherwise a very nice person.

Those who know, and who don't report, are shameful accomplices to the shredded and humiliated lives of the victims. Are there such people in our community? You decide.

This is from a letter distributed by the Vaad Harrabanim to all Orthodox households prior to the JEWISH TIMES article:

"In the past, many mistakes were made in handling situations. Abusers were often not recognized for what they were, as it was too difficult to believe that otherwise good people could do such things, nor was it sufficiently appreciated what damage such acts could cause. It was often thought that if the abuser was spoken to or warned, and perhaps moved to a different environment, he would never do those things again. In responding this way, many terrible mistakes were made and tragic consequences resulted. We have seen too often the immediate or eventual failure of these "behind the scenes” agreements to keep the perpetrators away from others.”

I was one of the rabbis who signed the letter. But I did not write the letter. Behind the scenes agreements is something I should have asked about prior to signing the letter. When were these agreements made? Twenty years ago when rabbis were more naïve, or 20 days ago, when it could signal a coverup?

Are there Rabbis and principals and leaders in the know, who know, but won't say anything? This is something that needs to be investigated, and investigated with seriousness and speed. If there are abusive ticking bombs in our community, and we don't do everything we can to prevent another abuse, and people are being protected, it should make us feel tremendously uncomfortable.

So this story is not about a deceased rabbi, or just about one particular segment of our community, or about what should be published or what should not. It is about how it has been misunderstood, and how it's been covered up and may continue to be, and it's about a third area, how it will be dealt with from now on.

There is no question that if we know of a sexual predator, especially one who abuses children, Jewish law or halachah that this abuser is called a rodeph, literally a pursuer, one who is effectively poised to destroy innocent lives and therefore, virtually any means may be used to stop him and bring him to justice.

Not just from hearsay or innuendo, but once an abuser has been reported and corroborated by at least two other sources, we must speedily stop that person and expose him. In many cases, the most effective method to protect the community is to publicize the abuser's name.

Some may consider that a shanda, but we must be mindful that what the person has done, the crime committed and the shame borne is silence is an even bigger shanda. We have an obligation to protect not only current victims, but also all future victims, and these future victims are not only the future victims of the abuser, but also the victims of the victims themselves- there has been shown to be a significant correlation between being abused and then abusing others. Unless someone is stopped in his tracks, the ripple effect of abuse can be staggering.

Whether alive or deceased, the perpetrators must be exposed. Even the deceased are not entitled to go to their graves in peace while the pain and shame of their victims finds no rest or comfort. The deceased abuser cannot defend himself, but neither can he have the luxury of remaining guiltless in the eyes of humanity while so many of his victims continue to suffer a life of torment and pain.

And while we diligently root out the perpetrators of such heinous behavior, that takes advantage of the most powerless in society by the most powerful, we need to tell the victims that they can come forward to a receptive community that will hear their anguish, not be judgmental about how or why anything happened, and help them to be liberated from their nightmare and be supportive as they begin their healing.

Yes, a terrible thing has happened to our Jewish community. We found out that we are not immune to the same ills and disgraces that plaque our neighbors. We thought we were immune, and that our Torah study and Torah observance can protect us from such behavior. We thought that a religious personality couldn't possibly do such a thing. But if we did, we missed a critical teaching of our Torah portion today. Leviticus 19:1, Kedoshim Tihiyu, you shall be holy. This means not only in the letter of the law, but also the spirit of the law. Nachmanides made an insightful comment when he taught, "someone who only observes the letter of the law can easily become a degenerate with the permission of the Torah, for such a person can perform the technical requirements of the commandments, WHILE SURRENDERING TO SELF INDULGENCE, GLUTTONY AND LICENTIOUSNESS.

If you can keep strictly kosher, daven three times a day, keep every aspect of Shabbat, and meticulously observe the commandments, and then molest and abuse and scar an innocent child for life, whether living or deceased, you are not entitled to the mantle of holiness.

You are entitled to the contempt of the community which so faithfully put its trust in you.

May God help us to bring the perpetrators to justice and the victims to find their solace and strength from a community anxious to hear and help.

Amen.

THIS CRIMINAL RABBI - LAZER GINSBERG OF BROOKLYN, N.Y.- PROTECTED AND ENABLED STEFAN COLEMAR AS HE MOLESTED CHILDREN IN HIS PRE-SCHOOL!

Rabbi Lazer Ginsberg
Rabbi Lazer Ginsberg is affiliated with:
Agudath Israel Of America
42 Broadway
New York, N.Y.
__________________________________________
Stefan Colemar


************************************************************
Stefan Colemar's victim writes:

I saw all this information about Stefan Colmer recently and could not believe what I was reading. Stefan is from Belmar New Jersey and I believe I was probably his very first victim of sexual abuse. He is only about 5 or 6 years older than I am, but when I was about 10 I met him for the first time in a shul in Bradley Beach, NJ. He became close to my family and while becoming religous he would spend almost every single shabbos at our house. His parents were divorced. He lived with his mother in Belmar and his father lived with his wife. His mother was not religious and my parents were happy to have him over. For many years he would keep me in my room and sexually abuse me. The first time it happened was at night over either a shabbos or yom tov (I cannot remember for sure) when he was sleeping on a pullout bed in my room. I was petrified when he woke me up and started touching me and doing things to me. He told me if I told ANYONE that nobody would believe me and that it would cause tremendous problems for myself and my family. This went on almost every shabbos untill I went away for Yeshiva. Around that time there was an incident regarding another Rabbi he was spending a Shabbos with and his young son. He was also thrown out of a few schools for problems with other boys. After my parents learned about that they did not want him sleeping over anymore. However, he would still eat shabbos lunch and spend the day at our house. Whenever I came back from Yeshiva he continued to approach me on and off whenever he found himself alone with me. As I got bigger and stronger I started defending myself and after a while all he could do was ask me to do things with him which I would never allow. The last encounter with him was before I got married when he tried to put a hand on me. I grabbed him by the throat and told him if he ever tried that again I would slice his throat open.

Although I was no longer threatened by him I was always scared of him. My parents who still knew nothing ever happened were still very close to him. He would constantly be over at our house learning with my father. Because I was scared for so long and such a long time passed I decided it would be best if I just put it out of my head and tried to forget anything ever happened. I got married and now have 4 beautiful children. The only times I have ever thought of it was when I would see a special on T.V. about child predators. I never told my wife or my parents. I never wanted to be around him but could never throw him out because if I did I would have to say why and I didn't want to discuss it. It almost made me sick when he came to my wedding. But I still could not tell my parents. Even after such a long time I felt not only scared but felt guilty like I did something wrong. I always felt if I told anybody they might not believe me, and even if they did I felt they would think it was my fault. I know this might not make sense to many of you but it just felt better and easier to try and escape it than deal with it. It was my secret and would remain my secret until I died.

The other day I was on the phone with my mother and she told me to Google his name. She would not tell me why but told me I would not believe it. We always suspected him gay and when he got married it shocked my entire family. I refused to go to his wedding or call him to wish him mazal. We were more shocked when he had a child (again, I refused ANY contact). My parents always just thought I didn't like him because he was always a bit strange. while I completely agreed I had no interest in telling them all the details. When I read about what he did to some boys who spent a shabbos by him, chills ran down my back, and tears just started flowing down my face. All I could think about was every shabbos that he did the same or had me do things to him. I told my wife right away who was not sure exactly how to take what I was telling her. I called my mother back crying and tried to tell her the truth. It took a while to get the whole truth out and she was obviously shocked. I did not want to tell my father but she convinced me. Needless to say he was not too pleased. The hurt they had was that this was happening down the hall from them for YEARS under their noses and they had no idea. this was very hard for them to grasp.

My biggest shame is not that I still feel guilty or dirty or scared. Instead I feel that my being scared and not saying anything allowed for this to continue. Had I been able to put my fear aside and come out and say what happened, he would either be in jail or the jewish world would have known about it and this would not have happened to some boys again. For that I apologize to all the famillies and the boys this happened to. I am also shocked that the jewish world would rather not get the authorities involved. For that I am disgusted. If the jewish community would let this animal run around free to do this again than I know what I have to do. I WILL call the Police and do whatever I can to make sure this animal CANNOT do this again. This is not something he can control, and this definately cannot be controlled by Rabonim. If this happened to any of their children I can assure you that they would be in full agreement of putting this person behind bars. If not than this will happen again. I will tell the authorities what happened to me. If there is nothing they can do than there is nothing else I can do. But when he strikes again I do not want to be responsible. Any Rabbi who says the police should not be called will be responsible for the next boy that falls prey to Colmer.

I again would like to apologize to the boys and the famillies for this happening and for not being brave enough to say something years ago when I could have stopped it.
****************************************************
I'm working with a very experienced person in the field of child sexual abuse who made this comment.

"The more I learn about Stefan Colemar the more disturbed I become -- he appears to be a compulsive, manipulative, deceitful and highly dangerous sex addict who preys on children---- and who has so far been sheltered by rabbis, particularly, it seems, one Lazer Ginsburg".

I have confirmed that "Rabbi" Shmuel Kaminetzky has advised parents of Colemar victims NOT TO GO TO THE POLICE!!!

UOJ


URGENT URGENT URGENT
***********************

We are making progress in bringing Colemar to justice! I URGE ANYONE AND EVERYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION AT ALL TO CONTACT:

Michael Lesher, Esq.
mlesher@att.net
www.MichaelLesher.com
(973) 470-0212

PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL, ASAP!

THANKS!
_______________________

Very well said my good friend Steve:

Colemar, Leizerowitz and Mondrowitz have taken refuge in Israel. What stands in the way of bringing Mondrowitz back to face justice is DA Charles Hynes. The indictment is already in place and the evidence is irrefutable. The reason he hasn't been extradited yet is because of a loophole that Hynes is hanging by. The extradition agreement between the US and Israel at the time of Mondrowitz' atrocities did not include those charged of raping males. This was amended in 1988 to include males. According to an Israeli embassy official quoted in the NY Post, all they are waiting for is a phone call from Hynes' office.

As for Colemar and Leizerowitz, all that is required is for survivors to file charges. I am sure it is extremely painful for them to have to testify and relive the nightmare. I'm sure it is difficult for the parents to have their children retell their experiences. However, this is the only way to prevent these monsters from attacking other small children. Statistics show that these perverts can and will strike again. They must be brought to justice immediately. In the cases of Colemar and Leizerowitz, not even Hynes can stand in the way of extradition, unless he personally rewrites the extradition laws.

It is all up to the survivors in these cases. We obviously can't rely on Ginzberg and Olewski to go to the police.

"WE DIDN'T KNOW" SAYS THE BALTIMORE VAAD OF FOOLS

Rabbi Also Molested Girls

Phil Jacobs Executive Editor

MAY 04, 2007

Part of a continuing series on sexual molestation in the Jewish community. Warning: This article contains graphic sexual descriptions that may be offensive to some readers.

It wasn't only boys. Since the Baltimore Jewish Times' April 13 account that the deceased Rabbi Ephraim F. Shapiro—former principal of the Talmudical Academy and spiritual leader of the old Agudas Achim Synagogue—molested young boys hundreds of times, at least three women have come forward to share their molestation stories.

Pedophiles, according to Lisa Ferentz, a Pikesville-based clinical social worker and creator of a certificate program in Advanced Trauma Treatment, are not necessarily attracted to one gender over the other.

"What matters the most to many pedophiles," she said, "is the age of the victim. They are attracted to, and interested in controlling and maintaining power, over a child—it can either be a boy or a girl. This is important for parents to understand as they work to protect their children from potential predators.

"If they have information about a pedophile molesting boys, they shouldn't assume that their daughters are any safer in the company of that person," said Ms. Ferentz. "All kids need to be educated about inappropriate touch, and they should be empowered to fight back whenever possible, and to immediately tell a safe adult."

The following are accounts of three women now ranging in age from 58-69. When molested by Rabbi Shapiro, their age range was 7-12. (One of the women contacted the newspaper anonymously.)

Annette Stadd-Wilson

She was 7 and in second grade when she was molested after a Sunday school class by her teacher, Rabbi Ephraim F. Shapiro. He would go on to molest her countless number of times.

Annette Stadd-Wilson is now 58 and living in Phoenix, Ariz. She is a yoga instructor.

"This was a married man with children," she said with anger in her voice. "This was a man of God. He got away with this his entire life, and nobody came forward to make him stop."

Rabbi Shapiro would call her into his office, she recounted. He would then unzip his pants and ask her to caress him, she said. "This happened many times, and he would press me against his private parts," she said.

For Mrs. Wilson, there was even a deeper double meaning. The two shared the same birthday.

"As a girl, I always thought that something was wrong with me, for this to happen to me. When you are a young child and this happens, you think it is OK because you are the child and he is the adult—and a rabbi as well."

Rabbi Shapiro also officiated at her late father's funeral. She remembered the rabbi giving her some advice about the grieving process. Ms. Stadd chose to ignore him.

"I chose to leave the Jewish religion and found Eastern religion and yoga," she said. "I thank God that I did. It gave me an understanding of life and religion that made sense. I have thought that what happened to me does affect my lack of trust and feeling good about myself. Human beings all have a right to grow up feeling happy and healthy about themselves, and molestation destroys this."

Mrs. Wilson said she rarely speaks about her experiences.

"It's so devastating," she said, "you can't even talk about it. We have to ask ourselves, ‘How do we stop this?' I would like for Jewish people to stand up and come forward and face this. ... And I'm not sure I left Judaism because of this or not, but it probably had something to do with it. There's just way too much hypocrisy here."

E.J. Dopkin

Ellen Jane Dopkin was the only girl in her Agudas Achim Synagogue class.

She was post-bat mitzvah age, but her Hebrew school classroom achievements gave her the rare opportunity as a girl to be part of a special class studying the works of the Jewish sage Rashi.

She was the only girl in a class of about 15 young teens. One day, her teacher, the late Rabbi Shapiro, asked her to stay after class. They were alone. He placed his hands all over her body. He forced a kiss on her lips.

It happened over and over, she said.

Known to friends as "E.J.," Mrs. Dopkin sits in her beautiful Pikesville home with her husband, Michael. The events described above happened decades ago. Yet, they remain fresh for Mrs. Dopkin.

She was told about the April 13 Jewish Times story on Rabbi Shapiro and boys. She wanted to make sure that the community understood that girls were involved, too.

"Sometimes it happened in his office in the downstairs part of the school," she said. "Sometimes he had me come to his house. I never told anybody. I was a young girl. I didn't know what to do.

"It impacted me," she said. "It kept a block in front of me and my life. I felt that I wasn't able to accomplish as much as I could have because of what he did to me."

Mrs. Dopkin said she thinks of herself as a survivor. She said she's working to do what she can to get past her memories.

"Having an experience such as this makes you feel as if you don't want to trust people of authority, and then you don't want to trust anyone else, and then you don't even want to trust yourself," she said. "Then, the healing process is to say to yourself, ‘I can try to get past this.'"

What would Mrs. Dopkin ask Rabbi Shapiro today if she could?

"How could you use religion as an entering point to your terrible behavior?"

An Anonymous Caller

The Jewish Times received a call on Wednesday, April 25, from another woman who claimed she was molested by the late Ephraim Shapiro.

She was 111/2 and taking private bat mitzvah lessons with the rabbi at Agudas Achim.

"He would cop a feel," said the 68-year-old woman, who asked for anonymity. "He'd try to get underneath my sweaters. I was a little skinny minnie. I didn't know from this stuff. We didn't talk about these things."

"I never thought about it all of these years, I never told anybody," she said. "That's the trouble with the Jewish people. We sweep everything under the rug.

"It's a shame this wasn't told while he was living."

The impact stayed with her for years. "I didn't want to have any more with Jewish learning," she said. "I was sick of the whole damn thing. I knew he should not touch me, but he did.

"I remember his grubby hands. But Agudas Achim was a second home to my grandfather. I hated it, but I had to go."

For tips on future stories for this series, contact Phil Jacobs at pjacobs@jewishtimes.com . The next story in this series will be on the efforts by local groups and rabbis to offer resources for healing for sexual abuse survivors.
*******************************************
URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!

Victims Of Leizerowitz and his enabler Olewski from the Ger Yeshiva in Boro Park PLEASE immediately contact award winning journalist Kristen Lombardi: klombardi@villagevoice.com

Ms. Lombardi broke the back of the Boston Archdiocese, and was able to revive the Abraham Mondrowitz case in the D.A.'s office. Your anonymity is guaranteed!

UOJ

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The Facts About Child Sexual Abuse

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A reader writes: You can't win with these kvetchers. You can't talk about Shapiro because he's dead. Pinny Shitlips at the Yated says you can't talk about Kolko because he's living and it's hamalbin. Avi Shafran says you can't talk about the victims because then the Agudah gets sued. Shea Fishman claims not to remember anything about anything except the weather report. Heinemann says you can't mention the newspapers & Perlow says topics outside Boro Park are off limits and it's verboten anyway because it's on the internet. David Mandel says you can't mention the acts that took place even without any names because they're too salacious. Margulies says there's no need to discuss anything because he has the situation under control. Applegrad says that no one was aware of anything even before Fishman was clubbed in the head by Pasik and suffered amnesia. Dovid Cohen says you must be biased against YTT.......

The Facts About Child Sexual Abuse
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault-2006

Kindly e-mail this article to every parent you know & or print it out and pass it around your neighborhood... UOJ

Child sexual abuse occurs when someone exploits a child sexually. It can take many forms, including exposure of the genitals, obscene internet solicitation, voyeurism, exposing children to pornographic materials, creating pornographic materials of children, fondling, masturbation, and oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.

Most studies have focused only on incidents that involve physical touching of or penetration of genitals. Even using this narrow definition, study after study has illustrated that sexual abuse is alarmingly common:

􀂃 Researchers have established that between 30 and 40 percent of all girls—and between 10 and 20 percent of all boys—are sexually victimized at least once before they reach age 18.1

􀂃 In one national study, 67% of all reported sexual assaults were perpetrated against children under the age of 18. In over half of those cases, the perpetrator had abused a child under the age of 12.2

􀂃 The same study concluded that one in every seven reported sexual assaults was perpetrated against a victim aged six or younger.3

The vast majority of perpetrators are teenage or adult males. They come from all socio-economic levels, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Most identify as exclusively or predominantly heterosexual.

􀂃 In 2001, 96.5% of reported sexual assaults in Wisconsin were perpetrated by males.4

􀂃 In one study of over 10,000 non-incarcerated, male child molesters, the men closely matched the demographics of the general male population in marriage status, education, employment, religiosity, and ethnicity.5

􀂃 98% of all child sexual abuse is perpetrated by heterosexual males.6

􀂃 70% of men who molest boys identify as exclusively or predominantly heterosexual in their adult sexual preferences.7

1 Bolen, R.,& Scannapieco, M. (1999).Prevalence of child sexual abuse: A corrective meta-analysis. Social Service Review, 73, 281-313

2 Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement: Victim, Incident, and Offender

Characteristics. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000

3 Ibid.

4 Sexual Asaults in Wisconsin 1999-2001, Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance Statistical Analysis Center

5 Abel, G. M.D., Nora Harlow (2001) The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study

6 Jenny, C., Roesley, T., and Poyer, K. (1994) “Are Children at risk for Sex Abuse by

Homosexuals?,”Pediatrics Vol. 94

7 Abel, G. M.D., Nora Harlow (2001) The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

Perpetrators are rarely strangers to their victims; most abuse children with whom they have ongoing, regular contact. Many perpetrators will abuse the same child repeatedly over a period of months or even years and it is also common for perpetrators to abuse more than one child.

􀂃 In Wisconsin in 2001, 90% of perpetrators of reported child sexual abuse knew their victims. 22% were related to the victim. Only 10% were strangers.8

􀂃 In one study of incest offenders, men who molested their daughters averaged 62 different sexually abusive acts. Men who molested their sons, averaged 81 such acts.9

􀂃 Another study found the average duration of incest to be more than 8 years.10

􀂃 54% of convicted sex offenders reported having at least two victims.11

􀂃 In a study of convicted, extra-familial child molesters, those who abused girls had an average of 52 victims each. Those who abused boys, while less common, averaged 150 victims each.12

In order to avoid detection, many molesters deliberately engage in behavior designed to manipulate a child into silence. This process, called “grooming,” often includes paying special attention to a child or giving gifts to gain the child’s loyalty and trust. It may also involve testing and blurring the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors with the child. Due to powerful feelings of confusion, fear, shame, and sometimes even conflicted loyalty towards the abuser, children seldom tell anyone about sexual abuse.

􀂃 An estimated 88% of child sexual abuse incidents are never reported.13

􀂃 In a study of 116 confirmed cases of child sexual abuse, 79% of the children initially denied the abuse or were tentative in disclosing. Of those who did disclose, 75% disclosed accidentally.

Additionally, of those who did disclose, 22% eventually recanted their statements.14

Child sexual abuse has been linked with a wide range of negative consequences for victims. Compared to their non-abused peers, children who have been victims of sexual abuse are more likely to experience a variety of emotional and behavioral problems—many with the potential for serious and life-threatening consequences. The effects of child sexual abuse do not have to be devastating, however. There is significant evidence that being believed and supported by family members and other caring adults can minimize the intensity of the trauma to children and help them to heal from the abuse.

􀂃 Long term effects of child abuse include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor self esteem, tendency toward substance abuse and difficulty with close relationships.15

8 Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000

9 Abel et al. (1987) as cited in Transforming Trauma, Anna Salter pp 37-38

10 Donaldson and Gardner (1985) as cited in Transforming Trauma, Anna Salter p 37

11 Managing Adult Sex Offenders in the Community: A Containment Approach. English, Pullen and Jones,

U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, January, 1997

12 Abel, G. M.D., Nora Harlow (2001) The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study

13 Kilpatrick, 1999

14 Sorensen & Snow, 1991

15 Browne & Finkelhor, 1986

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

􀂃 Sexually abused children are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 4 to 5 times more likely to develop an alcohol or drug dependency, and 3 to 5 times more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors. 16

􀂃 A history of sexual abuse is a significant risk factor for the development of disordered eating behaviors such as anorexia, bulimia, and the use of laxatives and diuretics to lose weight.17

􀂃 A history of child sexual abuse increases the likelihood of suicide attempts. 18

􀂃 Sexually abused youths are more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age19, report inconsistent condom use, and engage in behaviors that put them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection.20 Girls who have been sexually abused also have higher rates of adolescent pregnancy.21

􀂃 Individuals who were sexually abused as children are 4 times more likely than their peers to engage in prostitution.22 Approximately 95% of teenage prostitutes were sexually abused as children.23

Many of the behavior patterns precipitated by childhood sexual abuse, such as the use of alcohol and other drugs, sexual promiscuity, low self-esteem and a low sense of personal power can in turn increase a person’s vulnerability to sexual assaults. It is not surprising, therefore, that having been sexually assaulted in the past is a significant risk factor for future sexual assaults. This does not mean that victims cause the sexual assaults, but rather that perpetrators look for and exploit these vulnerabilities.

􀂃 Children who are sexually abused are 5 times more likely to be subsequently sexually abused or assaulted.24

􀂃 55.4% of women who reported childhood sexual abuse also reported being subsequently raped. 25

16 Youth Victimization: Prevalence and Implications, US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 2003

17 Stephen A. Wonderlich, M.D., et al, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health

Sciences, Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 200: 391277-1283

18 Blumenthal SJ. Suicide: a guide to risk factors, assessment, and treatment of suicidal patients. Medical Clinics of North America, 1988; 72(4): 937-71.

19 Kenneth S. Kendler, M.D., et al, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Archives of General Psychiatry, 2000, 57:953-959

20 Larry K. Brown, M.D., et al, American Journal of Psychiatry, 2000;157:1413-1415

21 Boyer, Debra and Fine, David. “Sexual Abuse as a Factor in Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Maltreatment.” Family Planning Perspective, Jan., 1992.

22 Population Reports: Ending Violence Against Women, 2000

23 CCPCA, 1992

24 Merrill, L.L., Newell, C.E., Gold, S.R., and Millen, J.S. Childhood Abuse and Sexual Revictimization in a Female Navy Recruit Sample. Naval Health Research Center, Pub. 97-5, 1997

25 Ibid.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

How Can I Protect My Child?

Minimize opportunities for molesters

Ensure that safety precautions are in place to protect your child at school, church, clubs or other activities— especially those involving special trips and overnight outings. Have the adults in these organizations undergone background checks? Are adults ever alone with a child? If yes, when and why? How can these activities be restructured to avoid isolation?

Stay involved in your child’s activities—attend little league practices and piano recitals, volunteer to chaperone for trips or dances. Meet your child’s teachers, coaches, and activity leaders. Keep track of where, and with whom, your child is if s/he is not with you.

Be alert for adults or adolescents, particularly males, who display an unusual interest in children. While the following behaviors are not conclusive proof that a person is a child molester (nor is the lack of these behaviors proof that a person does not molest children), they are nonetheless cause for serious concern.

Do not allow someone to have unsupervised access to children if he or she exhibits the following:

􀂃 seems more interested in spending time with children than with his own peers

􀂃 seems focused on children of a particular age or gender (especially if the person does not have children of that age)

􀂃 singles out a child for special attention, gifts, or favors

􀂃 wants to take a child on special outings without others present, or seems eager to spend alone-time with a child

􀂃 invites children into his home unsupervised

􀂃 allows or encourages children to do “grown up” things—or things they are not allowed to do at home


Talk to your child

Give your child the clear message that her body is her own and that she does not have to submit to unwanted touches by anyone—including family members and authority figures. Allow her to decide whether she wants to give Grandma a kiss, be tickled by Brother, or sit on Uncle’s lap--and back her up in those decisions.

Regularly reinforce through words and actions that you want to know about what is going on in your child’s life and that you will listen and help in any way you can if he has a problem.

Specifically discuss the topic of sexual abuse with your child so she knows what it is--and that it’s okay to talk to you about it. (For age-appropriate ways to discuss sexual abuse with children, refer to resource list below)

Help your child identify other people he might be able to go to with a problem if he didn’t feel comfortable coming to you.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

Be Aware of Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Behavioral

Children who experience sexual abuse are often too frightened or confused to tell anyone—but they may indicate that something is wrong by their behavior. The behaviors listed here are general indicators that a child may be experiencing problems—although not necessarily sexual abuse. Use this list as a tool for
identifying areas of potential concern. Then calmly talk to your child to find out more about what is going on in her or his life. Take note of:

􀂃 Abrupt changes in your child’s behavior

􀂃 Regression to previously outgrown behaviors (thumb-sucking, bedwetting)

􀂃 Nightmares, fearfulness or clinginess

􀂃 Sudden shyness around adults or reluctance around a particular adult

􀂃 Anger problems, fighting, cruelty towards others, delinquency

􀂃 Withdrawal, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

􀂃 Unusual level of modesty or body-shame; wearing loose-fitting clothing, or
multiple layers of clothing even in the summer; extreme reluctance to change or shower around others (ie: for gym class)

􀂃 Running away

􀂃 Use of alcohol or drugs

􀂃 Self-mutilation (cutting, burning, hair-pulling)

􀂃 Eating disorders

Sexual

Some sexually abused children exhibit sexual behavior problems. Not all sexual behavior in children is abnormal--children are naturally curious about their bodies and those of other people. It is relatively common for children to play “doctor” or other games involving looking at and touching genitals. Children also discover that their genitals feel good, and even very young children may rub their genitals. Therapists can be a good resource for clarifying whether a particular behavior is of concern—and treating children with sexual behavior problems. Generally, a behavior may be of concern if:

􀂃 The child seems unable to stop the behavior when redirected by adults—or is interested in the activity to the exclusion of other age-appropriate interests

􀂃 There is a significant disparity in age or size of the children involved

􀂃 The children involved do not know each other or do not have a prior history of playing together

􀂃 One or more of the children use force, coercion, or manipulation to get the others to cooperate.

􀂃 The behavior mimics or illustrates knowledge of explicit adult sexual behavior (imitating sexual intercourse, oral sex, penetration of vagina or anus with objects)

􀂃 Children seem overly secretive or ashamed about the behavior

􀂃 Children behave seductively towards adults

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

Physical

In the majority of sexual abuse cases, no physical signs are apparent. When physical evidence does exist in may take the form of the symptoms listed below. Consider taking your child to a doctor for evaluation and treatment if you observe:

􀂃 Redness, swelling, irritation of the genitals

􀂃 Bleeding or tearing around the anus or vagina

􀂃 Discomfort sitting or using the bathroom

􀂃 Frequent yeast or urinary-tract infections

􀂃 Unusual discharge from the anus or vagina

􀂃 Soreness, redness in the mouth and throat

􀂃 Sexually transmitted diseases

􀂃 Pregnancy

Statements

When children do try to tell adults about sexual abuse, they may not have the language to accurately describe what is happening. If the child’s meaning is unclear, calmly ask for clarification without putting words in the child’s mouth (ie: “Tell me more about that,” instead of “Do you mean Danny touched you on
your private parts?”). Children may also use language that is indirect or ask for help without telling you why as a way to test your reaction. Pay attention to statements like the following:

􀂃 I don’t like it when he comes over.

􀂃 He made me touch his thingie.

􀂃 She plays with my noodle and I don’t like it.

􀂃 He fooled around with me.

􀂃 I don’t like it when he wants to play the “mommy-daddy game.”

􀂃 Please don’t make me go to their house tonight.

What can I do if I learn my child has been sexually abused?

Stay calm. Your child will be relieved to know that you are concerned, but a display of strong negative emotions may frighten her and cause her to feel that she is in trouble or that she has caused you to become upset.

Let your child know that you believe him, that you’re glad he told you, and you will do your best to protect and support him.

Write down the specific statements your child makes (in his own words) and make note of any other behaviors you observe.

Avoid interrogating your child for details. If you have reason to believe that she has been sexually abused, contact a child protection center immediately and have an investigator conduct an interview. They are trained to gather information in ways which avoid unnecessary trauma to the child—and which enhance the integrity (and potential legal admissibility) of the child’s statements.

Do not confront someone you believe to be an abuser. Instead, notify people who can help you and your child, such as a child protection center, the police or child protective services.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2006

How can I help my child heal from sexual abuse?

With good support from parents and other adults, children who have been abused can heal and move beyond the experience of abuse. Being believed and supported by family after a disclosure is one of the most important factors in a positive healing process.

Therapists and/or support groups can be valuable allies in providing ongoing support for your child through the healing process. Contact your local sexual assault service provider to get referrals for therapists and agencies that work with young survivors.

Return to a normal daily routine as quickly as is practical. This doesn’t mean acting as if the abuse never happened, but rather openly acknowledging and dealing with the abuse, while also working to minimize the disruption to daily life. This avoids sending the unintentional message that your child is “damaged” or “different” from other children.

Educate yourself about sexual violence, safety precautions you can implement to help protect your child, and ways you can support your child’s healing and growth. The resources listed below are a great start.

Consider getting help and support for yourself. Parents often experience grief, rage, guilt, and other reactions to a child’s victimization. Counselors and/or support groups can help you express and work through these feelings—and help you to in turn provide support to your child.

Learn More

Continue to educate yourself and look for opportunities to educate others in the community about perpetrator tactics and ways adults can protect children. Some great resources available from the WCASA Library include:

Predators--Pedophiles, Rapists and Other Sex Offenders; Who They Are, How

They Operate, and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children

by Anna C. Salter, Ph.D, Basic Books, 2003

Children Can’t Protect Themselves—It’s Your Job; Protecting Children from Sexual

Abuse, A Guide for Adults

The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, Inc., 2002

He Told Me Not To Tell; A Parents’ Guide For Talking to Children

About Sexual Assault

By Jennifer Fay, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, 1991

Kids Helping Kids {Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse}

By Linda Lee Foltz, Lighthouse Point Press, 2003

Evil, Incompetent, Corrupt, Immoral, Emotionally Dead, Mentally Deficient, Spiritually Bankrupt - The State Of The Rabbinate!

What if " Rabbi Yudi Cho" from "Baltimore Tech" or "Torah Temima Tech" was accused over and over again of threatening the well-being and the lives of his students?

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if numerous complaints were lodged with rabbis nationwide about various rabbis sexually abusing their students?

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if numerous mental health professionals informed the many Orthodox Jewish organizations that sexual abuse by rabbis was being perpetrated upon their students in yeshivas, girls' schools, camps and anywhere else rabbis had access to children?

And the rabbis did nothing?

What if these authentic, documented allegations over the past FORTY years have been proven to be true?

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if there was a convened bais din of "prominent" rabbis that found the allegations of sexual molestation believable, but were overidden by a demented rabbi without any concern for the welfare of the children?

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if a "prominent" rabbi, Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, found Moshe Eisemann of Baltimore guilty as charged of sexually abusing students, and yet still have him living among hundreds of children on the NIRC campus?

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if Eliezer Eisgrau, a principal of a day school in Baltimore, was accused by his daughter of having been RAPED by her father, as well as other students' allegations of sexual misconduct...and Rabbi Yosef Blau, the mashgiach ruchni of Yeshiva University found Eisgrau's daughter's accusations absolutely credible?

And the rabbis did nothing?

What If Shlomo Mandel Of Yeshiva Of Brooklyn admitted that Rabbi Yehuda Nussbaum was indeed a danger to children, and yet permits him to "tutor" boys on the premises of Yeshiva Of Brooklyn!

And the rabbis did nothing!

What if Shlomo Mandel, principal of Yeshiva Of Brooklyn, allegedly has a history of physically, emotionally and sexually abusing children himself, dating back FORTY plus years since his teen-age years?

And the rabbis did nothing!

I ask you, my fellow Jews, what have WE done to deserve these rabbis?

AND THE JEWS DID NOTHING!

***********************

A Letter to Rabbi Heinemann From A Survivor Of Incest

(From Jewish Survivors)

Dear Rabbi Heinemann,

I do not feel comfortable calling you on the phone or mailing my letter directly to you. I am hoping someone reading this will print out my letter and hand it directly to you.

I read the note you put up in your synagogue and have been reading on the various blogs that you do not feel that Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro's name should have been mentioned in the Baltimore Jewish Times article because Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro is no longer alive and can't defend himself and also because we should be protecting the family members of sex offenders.

I want to let you know that I am a family member of a sex offender. I am also an incest survivor. I tried many times growing up to get help and no one would listen. When I approached various rabbis asking for help, they seemed more concerned about protecting my father's good name then they were in stopping the insanity that was going on in my home. I was told over and over again that my father was a good person. That I should just try to get along with my family better.

No one cared that I was suicidal. No one cared that I often slept in a park as a way to prevent my father from raping me at night.

Rabbi Heinemann, I went to you twice trying to ask you for help and you told me you didn't believe me. The first time I was twelve. The second time I was over eighteen. Why is it that you care more about my father then you did about me?

Please remember every incest survivor is a family member of a sex offender. We also deserve to have a voice!

Sincerely,
Sara Rivka Rachel Leah

JEW-JIVE

Baltimore Jewish Times -
By Anonymous Insider

April 18, 2007

Up until the last minute, the Baltimore rabbis were hoping
we would cancel the story, and they would therefore find
no need to send out their letter.

We were urged not to go to press, but Neil decided to push
forward. The final straw was UOJ's (blogger - Unorthodox
Jew) publishing of the abridged version of the article. They
knew they were in trouble and mailed out the letter right
after yom-tov.

UOJ is indeed correct, the rabbis were coerced in to the
mailing, they would never have mailed it out if not for the
story being published.

Rabbi Heinemann's conduct exemplifies the worst of the
rabbinate by posting the shameful note in his shul. He
should be severely chastised for his double-speak.

We will continue to publish and publicize these crimes and
will not be intimidated.

____________________________________________________

TO THE VAAD HARABBONIM - RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF GREATER BALTIMORE

April 15, 2007

Rabbinic Abuse in Our Community

There is no subject more painful for me to discuss than the issue of Rabbinic abuse within our communities. Yet at this point I believe it is the subject most necessary to address. I must acknowledge that this horrible form of Rabbinic abuse and corruption exists ” and has existed for generations ” in all Jewish communities as well.

This issue of rabbinic abuse, coverups and vile corruption by so many rabbis and Jewish organizations must be confronted directly and I believe that this discussion can be a first step towards the necessary and achievable goal of ridding our communities of this horrible scourge...................

As long as Moshe Eisemann is living on the Ner Israel campus surrounded by hundreds of children, and Eliezer Eisgrau is principal of Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, your words mean as much to me as those of your fellow "clergymen", albeit of a different faith, the "Most Reverend" Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson!

Brave rabbis....Admitting sexual abuse "exists" in the Jewish community with a figurative gun at their heads, knowing that scores of Jewish sexual abuse victims nationwide are talking to journalists, attorneys, the various D.A.s, and the police.

This is one Jew you can't jive!

UOJ

Get Free Opinion Polls

*****************************************************

Tuesday April 17th 2007-Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar-14th day of the Omer-(Before the ink was dry on the Vaad letter)


The following handwritten letter was posted in the Agudah of Baltimore yesterday afternoon:

"Based on last week's vicious article in the Baltimore Jewish(?) Times and other articles of the past, it is my opinion that it is totally inappropriate for this publication to be found in any Jewish home."

Rabbi Heinemann's signature and seal appear on the paper
******************************************************
SO MUCH FOR THE VAAD'S AGREEMENT TO PUBLICIZE SEXUAL ABUSE ISSUES TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY!WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED? BECAUSE I KNOW SOME OF THEM FOR THE LIARS/CHARLATANS THAT THEY ARE!
________________________________________

SCROLL DOWN A BIT TO APRIL 7TH, TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE FRAUD YISROEL BELSKY'S HAZMANA TO SILENCE A TORAH TEMIMAH PARENT ABOUT THE YUDI KOLKO CASE. WHAT JUST DAWNED ON ME IS THE HAZMANA IS FOR "MOTZEE SHEM RA" NOT LASHON HARA! MEANING...BELSKY WAS CLAIMING THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST KOLKO WERE NOT TRUE, WHEREAS "LOSHON HARA" MEANS EVEN IF IT'S TRUE, ONE IS FORBIDDEN TO SPEAK ABOUT IT! BLOGGER POSEK BELSKY HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE KOLKO ACCUSATIONS FOR 40 YEARS! HOW HE CAN BE PART OF ANY JEWISH ORGANIZATION, ESPECIALLY KASHRUTH-OU, WHERE CREDIBILTY IS EVERYTHING, IS BEYOND ME!

UOJ

Rabbi, Teacher, Molester - Ephraim Shapiro’s mark on the Baltimore Jewish community.

(Part of a continuing series on child molestation within the Jewish community)
*********************************************************

Rabbi, Teacher, Molester
Ephraim Shapiro’s mark on the Baltimore Jewish community.

Phil Jacobs
Executive Editor
Baltimore Jewish times

(Part of a continuing series on child molestation within the Jewish community)

Photographer Murray Levin has looked through his camera lenses countless times, capturing Jewish weddings, bar mitzvahs and other joyous events.
The one “picture,” he however can’t stop focusing on isn’t in his camera, but in his 64-year-old memory.

It’s an image of a bar mitzvah lesson at the old Agudas Achim Synagogue. It’s the shame that came along with his teacher the now deceased Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, placing his hand down the 12-year-old Murray Levin’s pants and fondling him.
With at least half a dozen maftir lessons, came the rabbi’s touch.

But it wasn’t just Murray Levin.

The former Talmudical Academy teacher, by one influential Baltimore rabbi’s estimates, molested hundreds of this area’s sons, grandsons and brothers.

Bob Glickstein, 65, another survivor of Rabbi Shapiro’s, figures it could be thousands.

One thing that hasn’t survived for Glickstein is any connection to Judaism. Living now in Vero Beach, Fla., this yoga instructor calls his bar mitzvah day “the worst day of my life, because I had to have Rabbi Shapiro there.” He married out of the faith, had a child and raised him as a non-Jew. He not so jokingly calls himself an “anti-Semite.”

This was part of the cost of Rabbi Shapiro’s actions.

Rabbi Shapiro, who died in the early 1980s, remains “alive” in the memories of so many. His collateral damage is everywhere. A weekly Kiddush of respected businessmen meets, and the topics invariably turns to the sexual molestation the rabbi heaped on many of them.

A bite on the ear.

A “French” kiss.

Anal intercourse.

Masturbation.

All these terms are difficult to read, but they all are connected to Rabbi Shapiro’s “maftir” lessons.

Local rabbis requested that Rabbi Shapiro’s name not be used in this article to spare his family any further embarrassment.

(see following “Why we must mention names, deceased or alive.”)

The following are interviews with three of the Rabbi’s “survivors.”
If you are a survivor or if you know of someone who survived any sexual molestation, you have an audience here.

Murray Levin

The way Murray Levin sees it, sexual predators live in a world of “no risk and total reward.”

Organized Judaism, be it synagogues, schools or community groups bury this news or distract, he said.

“I don’t think they see themselves getting apprehended,” said Mr. Levin. “They are bright people, great communicators and intellectual. And they will continue until we bring out the trauma they cause. We have to create an environment that shows them they can’t continue without severe consequences.”

Mr. Levin held his molestation in for decades. And he does not want anyone else to hold back. Most of all, he sees it as a calling that the older survivors do what they can to protect all future generations even if it means teaching little children to speak out.”

“Families,” he said, are going to have to speak up. We have to become the predator of the predators.”

Mr. Levin was molested in a portable building at the Agudas Achim Synagogue on the 3600 block of Reisterstown Road near Coldspring Lane. He was studying for his bar mitzvah, which would take place at Shaarei Zion.

“Rabbi Shapiro was grooming me with French kissing and masturbation,” said Mr. Levin.

Mr. Levin kept it all quiet. He didn’t know that there was a possibility of someone else involved until four years after his bar mitzvah. He was watching a football game with a couple of friends on TV. The friends pretended to tackle one another like football players, and one of them randomly said,

“Rabbi Shapiro stuck his fingers in my ass.”

That was Mr. Levin’s first clue that he wasn’t alone.

In between his molestation, Mr. Levin, who would lead junior services in shul, and who described himself as a gifted and talented child, captain of the safety patrol, began to fall internally. His image of self, his trust in boundaries and other people failed.

To this day, even though he makes a great deal of his living photographing the Jewish community, Mr. Levin wonders what might have been with his life had it not been violated.

“Many of us are still hiding,” he said with a quiet voice.

“To me, anybody could be a pedophile,” he said. “Everybody who works with or who is near our children need to be scrutinized. I want everyone to be aware of who you pass responsibility of your children to.”

Bob Glickstein

He doesn’t want much to do with Judaism.

He can still “feel” the texture of Rabbi Shapiro’s moustache against his face when he was being kissed.

Bob Glickstein’s Jewish “upbringing” ended during his bar mitzvah lessons with Rabbi Shapiro at Agudas Achim.

“He used religion to molest young boys,” said Mr. Glickstein.

This 65-year-old yoga instructor talks candidly in a Vero Beach, Fla. coffee bar called Cacophony. He has only told a couple of people about his molestation.
But he wants the word out there now.

“Rabbi Shapiro knew what he was doing,” said Mr. Glickstein. “He had a boys group he called the Akiba Boys of Agudas Achim. They would do chores around the shul. But meanwhile, he was molesting them. He had a system of bar mitzvah lessons that would feed into his molestation. Everything he did was about molesting boys.

“It was a horrific experience,” he added. “He would call me into his office. “He’d start playing with you.”

It was difficult for Mr. Glickstein to continue. He sat up straight, perhaps finding confidence in a yoga posture, and he remembered some more.

He called his bar mitzvah the worst day of his life, because Rabbi Shapiro was in attendance. The rabbi was also at his father’s funeral.

Mr. Glickstein kept it to himself, yet he used it as part of his influence to start looking into other religions, such as eastern religions. A short marriage to a non-Jew resulted in a son, who he raised out of the faith.

There was nothing joking about this comment on his face.

“I am basically anti-Semitic,” he said. “I like Jews, but I just need to stay away from them (as a result of his molestations).

“There’s always been a lot of fear and anger in my life that comes as a result of Rabbi Shapiro’s actions,” he said. “There’s never a time that passes that I don’t think about him. There’s anger and there’s fear.”

Mr. Glickstein said that he’s always had difficulty since the molestations, which happened four to six times, when it comes to authority figures and establishing close relationships.

David Framowitz

David Framowitz was an 11th-grade Talmudical Academy student from Brooklyn, N.Y., boarding in the school's dormitory. He said he was molested by Rabbi Shapiro on three separate occasions.

When Rabbi Shapiro attempted a fourth try, the high school junior threatened to kill the rabbi.

Mr. Framowitz, 49, remembers that Rabbi Shapiro was the dormitory counselor.

He would lie in the beds of students, reaching to fondle them. And it was common he'd try to kiss them on the lips.

Mr. Framowitz, who now lives in Israel, was a major source for a New York Magazine article last year based on his $20 million federal lawsuit against Rabbi Yehudah Kolko and Yeshiva Torah Temimah of Flatbush in Brooklyn. (Mr. Framowitz said Rabbi Kolko molested him when he was around 12.)

"I became a student for seven months [at] TA in Baltimore," said Mr. Framowitz. "I had Rabbi Shapiro attack me three times. The last time I told him, ‘You touch me one more time, I'll kill you.'

"He was the dorm counselor. He'd walk around and French kiss boys, poke them with his fingers. He'd lie across you when you were in bed. He'd play with you."

Mr. Framowitz would tell his mother, who insisted he leave TA immediately. None of the other boys he knew wanted to discuss Rabbi Shapiro.

He then gave several reasons why people stay so silent. "There's a fear factor," he said. "There's a worry over shidduchim [finding a match for marriage]. ‘What are the neighbors going to say? It can't happen to a nice Jewish family. A rabbi doesn't do these things, especially a frum rabbi. There's something wrong with the boy. It's not the Jewish way, it's not the frum way. It can't be.'"

Last September during a visit to Baltimore, Mr. Framowitz decided to pay an unscheduled visit to Talmudical Academy. It was his first time there since 1974.

He met with Rabbi Yehuda Lefkowitz, the school’s executive director.

“I told Rabbi Lefkowitz that I was a victim of Shapiro’s,” “His face went white. “I told him I wasn’t there to cause trouble or threaten anything.

But what I wanted from TA was for the school to investigate and to find other victims. I told him I thought there should be some sort of monetary scholarship fund to pay for the therapy of the victims. And I wanted a letter of apology.

His response to me was there’s nobody here from those days, it’s a whole new administration and faculty. I gave him my email and a business card.

It’s now March. I haven’t heard a thing from him.”

Rabbi Lefkowitz said that he passed the information along immediately to school’s board, and “nobody took it as a joking matter.”

Rabbi Shapiro is Deceased. Why Print This?

He can’t defend himself.

He’s deceased, what difference does it make now?

This is an embarrassment to his family.

These are just three of the reasons why we were asked not to print the name of the deceased “Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro.”

• “He can’t defend himself.”

He died in 1989. He was eulogized before 700 people as a “kind man.” There are estimates as high as hundreds of molestation victims who weren’t able to “defend” themselves while the rabbi was alive. There are young men whose lives were changed forever because of his acts. Some of these men are more figuratively “dead” than Rabbi Shapiro will ever be. They need our help, compassion and therapeutic assistance. It wasn’t their fault. They can heal now.

• “He’s deceased, what difference does it make now?

A large percentage of sexual molestors were molested themselves. Survivors may find answers and empowerment if they know that their molestor was actually a survivor of Ephraim Shapiro’s.

• “This is an embarrassment to his family.”

The models of discussion and behind-the-scenes declarations against molestation is not working, especially in the Orthodox community. At best, a person is taken away from a setting of teaching children or sometimes sent out of town. Arrests, the courage of a survivor to charge his molester, doesn’t happen a great deal of the time.

Names.

Perhaps if the pedophile knows that this is now about names and his association to names of innocent relatives. Perhaps, just perhaps that will keep another child safe for a day.
___________________________________________________

On behalf of the many thousands of Jewish children, both boys and girls, that have been sexually abused by so-called Orthodox rabbis, I applaud The Baltimore Jewish Times and Mr. Phil Jacobs for undertaking this noble project. I'm certain the local "rabbis" are not sending them flowers. The full story will appear this coming weekend, after Pesach, in The Baltimore Jewish Times ; the article that was posted here was an abbreviated version. I will re-post the article this weekend in conjunction with The Baltimore Jewish Times' printing. Any rabbi that ever, no matter when, sexually abused a child, will have their turn as - "rabbi child molester of the week". Smile for the cameras you filthy animals......, and if you intend to die on me to escape my wrath, "please" don't think twice, go-for-it; I'll chase you after you drop dead! I'll write the hespedim (eulogies) from now on.
__________________________________________

Sexual molestation victims of Leizerowitz and his enabler
David Olewski, it is critical that you contact immediately!:

Eric H. Green at
Law Offices of Eric H. Green and Associates
295 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10017-6304
Phone: (212) 532-2450

And award winning journalist Kristen Lombardi: klombardi@villagevoice.com

Ms. Lombardi broke the back of the Boston Archdiocese, and was able to revive the Abraham Mondrowitz case in the D.A.'s office. Your anonymity is guaranteed!

UOJ

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THE VILE FRAUD THAT IS YISROEL BELSKY!

Yisroel Belsky's Bogus Loshon Hara Hazmana ...



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The Face & Garb Of An "Ultra-Orthodox" Jewish Child Molester - Stefan Colemar's First Known Sexual Abuse Victim Speaks Out!

Above photo was taken very recently of Stefan Colemar!
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Dear UOJ readers,

My name is Israel Moskovits, I am a 21 year old, Chicago-based Orthodox Jewish filmmaking student currently filming a feature length, narrative film titled Narrow Bridge which I wrote, directed and am acting in. It tells the story of a young Jewish college student who was sexually abused by his rabbi as a child and the numerous struggles he encounters as he attempts to heal himself and seek closure. I started this project upon learning of the Rabbi Yehuda Kolko case and view this film an an opportunity to raise awareness of this important subject in a manner that will be approachable and accessible to those that need to hear it most. I feel that the film would be a great tool for educating others about sexual abuse as well as a film survivors can use to aid in their healing process.

I am currently seeking assistance in spreading the film's message either through arranging screenings, publicity, spreading word-of mouth, mass-media outlets, distribution, connections, etc. Any way in which you are able to take part is greatly appreciated.

Feel free to email me with any questions you might have.

Here is a link to the teaser trailer for the film:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2858431796056068698&hl=en
(Copy & Paste)

Here is a blog article about the film:
http://jewishsurvivors.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-film-narrow-bridge-june-2007-about.html

Thanks UOJ for everything you do!

Israel (Yisrael) Moskovits
IzzyComm Motion Pictures
icmpinfo@gmail.com
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Stefan Colemar's victim writes:

I saw all this information about Stefan Colmer recently and could not believe what I was reading. Stefan is from Belmar New Jersey and I believe I was probably his very first victim of sexual abuse. He is only about 5 or 6 years older than I am, but when I was about 10 I met him for the first time in a shul in Bradley Beach, NJ. He became close to my family and while becoming religous he would spend almost every single shabbos at our house. His parents were divorced. He lived with his mother in Belmar and his father lived with his wife. His mother was not religious and my parents were happy to have him over. For many years he would keep me in my room and sexually abuse me. The first time it happened was at night over either a shabbos or yom tov (I cannot remember for sure) when he was sleeping on a pullout bed in my room. I was petrified when he woke me up and started touching me and doing things to me. He told me if I told ANYONE that nobody would believe me and that it would cause tremendous problems for myself and my family. This went on almost every shabbos untill I went away for Yeshiva. Around that time there was an incident regarding another Rabbi he was spending a Shabbos with and his young son. He was also thrown out of a few schools for problems with other boys. After my parents learned about that they did not want him sleeping over anymore. However, he would still eat shabbos lunch and spend the day at our house. Whenever I came back from Yeshiva he continued to approach me on and off whenever he found himself alone with me. As I got bigger and stronger I started defending myself and after a while all he could do was ask me to do things with him which I would never allow. The last encounter with him was before I got married when he tried to put a hand on me. I grabbed him by the throat and told him if he ever tried that again I would slice his throat open.

Although I was no longer threatened by him I was always scared of him. My parents who still knew nothing ever happened were still very close to him. He would constantly be over at our house learning with my father. Because I was scared for so long and such a long time passed I decided it would be best if I just put it out of my head and tried to forget anything ever happened. I got married and now have 4 beautiful children. The only times I have ever thought of it was when I would see a special on T.V. about child predators. I never told my wife or my parents. I never wanted to be around him but could never throw him out because if I did I would have to say why and I didn't want to discuss it. It almost made me sick when he came to my wedding. But I still could not tell my parents. Even after such a long time I felt not only scared but felt guilty like I did something wrong. I always felt if I told anybody they might not believe me, and even if they did I felt they would think it was my fault. I know this might not make sense to many of you but it just felt better and easier to try and escape it than deal with it. It was my secret and would remain my secret until I died.

The other day I was on the phone with my mother and she told me to Google his name. She would not tell me why but told me I would not believe it. We always suspected him gay and when he got married it shocked my entire family. I refused to go to his wedding or call him to wish him mazal. We were more shocked when he had a child (again, I refused ANY contact). My parents always just thought I didn't like him because he was always a bit strange. while I completely agreed I had no interest in telling them all the details. When I read about what he did to some boys who spent a shabbos by him, chills ran down my back, and tears just started flowing down my face. All I could think about was every shabbos that he did the same or had me do things to him. I told my wife right away who was not sure exactly how to take what I was telling her. I called my mother back crying and tried to tell her the truth. It took a while to get the whole truth out and she was obviously shocked. I did not want to tell my father but she convinced me. Needless to say he was not too pleased. The hurt they had was that this was happening down the hall from them for YEARS under their noses and they had no idea. this was very hard for them to grasp.

My biggest shame is not that I still feel guilty or dirty or scared. Instead I feel that my being scared and not saying anything allowed for this to continue. Had I been able to put my fear aside and come out and say what happened, he would either be in jail or the jewish world would have known about it and this would not have happened to some boys again. For that I apologize to all the famillies and the boys this happened to. I am also shocked that the jewish world would rather not get the authorities involved. For that I am disgusted. If the jewish community would let this animal run around free to do this again than I know what I have to do. I WILL call the Police and do whatever I can to make sure this animal CANNOT do this again. This is not something he can control, and this definately cannot be controlled by Rabonim. If this happened to any of their children I can assure you that they would be in full agreement of putting this person behind bars. If not than this will happen again. I will tell the authorities what happened to me. If there is nothing they can do than there is nothing else I can do. But when he strikes again I do not want to be responsible. Any Rabbi who says the police should not be called will be responsible for the next boy that falls prey to Colmer.

I again would like to apologize to the boys and the famillies for this happening and for not being brave enough to say something years ago when I could have stopped it.
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I'm working with a very experienced person in the field of child sexual abuse who made this comment.

"The more I learn about Stefan Colemar the more disturbed I become -- he appears to be a compulsive, manipulative, deceitful and highly dangerous sex addict who preys on children---- and who has so far been sheltered by rabbis, particularly, it seems, one Lazer Ginsburg".

I have just confirmed to my dis-satisfaction that "Rabbi" Shmuel Kaminetzky has advised parents of Colemar victims NOT TO GO TO THE POLICE!!!

UOJ
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URGENT URGENT URGENT
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We are making progress in bringing Colemar to justice! I URGE ANYONE AND EVERYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION AT ALL TO CONTACT:

Michael Lesher, Esq.
mlesher@att.net
www.MichaelLesher.com
(973) 470-0212

PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL, ASAP!

THANKS!
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SEE THE SHAIGETZ AND FRAUD YISROEL BELSKY:
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