NEW YORK- In an unprecedented move, the Jewish Theological Seminary has revoked the Rabbinic ordination of one of their graduates.
Rabbi Karen Himmelstein, the rabbi of Temple Beth-El in Glen Cove NY confided in private conversation to a congregant that she would *consider* voting for Donald Trump in the next election. The congregant realized that a dangerous woman was leading the congregation, reported her to the board who promptly suspended her and sent word to JTS.
Chancellor Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz [called that b/c when she was a child she LOVED going to synagogue to pray] said in a comment to the Jewish Week that "we cannot tolerate fascistic views among those who represent our institution. Considering voting for *that man*, a misogynist, a liar, a criminal, a threat to democracy, a manufacturer of ugly ties, is nothing less than a betrayal of everything we teach our students. We have failed with Karen. She can no longer carry our ordination and claim affiliation with our renowned hallowed institution that has preserved and *conserved* Judaism since 1886. We are very sorry and unless she publicly retracts and expresses remorse we must remain firm in our decision to revoke her ordination. We openly accept gays, lesbians, trans, non-binary, believers, deniers and even Red Sox fans. But Trump supporters are dangerous and beyond the pale. As the Talmud clearly states - "diversity and inclusion have their limits.""
Rabbi Himmelstein [or should we call her Karen being that she is no longer a rabbi??] was unavailable for comment.
Temple Beth-El is currently searching for a rabbi to fill Rabbi Himmelstein's shoes.
Jewish Week
