4 Modern'llabbi's Dismissal by Board NEW YORK (JTA)—Members of the congregation of Shaaray Tefila, a leading reform synagogue, voted at an uproarious meeting Tuesday night, 144-135, in effect not to extend the unwritten con- tract of Rabbi Philip Schechter, who had contended he was dis- mised by the board of trustees be- cause he tried to "modernize" pro- cedures of the 125-year-old syna- gogue. The vote was on a resolution calling on the board of trustees to to reconsider a Jan. 31 decision not to renew the contract of the 35- year-old bearded rabbi. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency was told more than 500 members were present but that those in the classification of associate and jun- ior members have no voting rights. Rabbi Schechter said he had been invited to make a brief state- ment in his own defense at the meeting, which was held in the synagogue's sanctuary and that he was booed by some members. Rabbi Sidney Regner, who is retiring as executive vice presi- dent of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, or which Rabbi Schechter is a member, also addressed the meeting, ask• ing foes of the young rabbi to spell out their charges. Rabbi Schechter told the JTA that Rab- bi Regner did not receive any direct response to that request and he also was booed by foes of Rabbi Schechter. Prior to the congregational meeting, an issue had been raised as to what the board would do, at its regular meeting Wednesday night, if the vote of the badly split congregation had been In favor of retention of Rabbi Schechter. The board reportedly voted at the Jan. 31 meeting not to extend Rabbi Schechter's written contract. When he was hired last May, he said he preferred not to have a written agreement. Frederick Block, president of the board, so notified Rabbi Schechter. Block said he proposed an arrangement under which Rab- bi Schechter was to receive a paid leave of absence until the end of his first year. Rabbi Schechter told the JTA that he planned to file a formal protest with the CCAR over his dismissal. Rabbi Schechter told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he had been dismissed because he had tried to modernize procedures of JNF Plants Saplings the synagogue, including introduc- tion of experimental services, which had evoked opposition among some "powerful members" of the board. According to Rabbi Schechter's account, three members of the board brought eight pages of char- ges against him, including com- plaints that he was a "hippie," that he did not wear proper garb as an officiating rabbi and that he introduced innovations they felt were not proper for the 125-year- old. synagogue. Under both the state. religious corporation law and the congrega- tional bylaws, a rabbi cannot be dismissed without a congregational hearing. Jpheld in Congregation Vote, 144-135 his ouster became known and a group of confirmation class stu- ents and some of their parents icketed the synagogue at services, s eeking signatures to protest the P 2—Friday, February 19, 1971 Lowest with piwch Meanwhile, Rabbi Bernard Bam- berger has been called out of re- tirement to serve during the interim period. THE DETROIT JEWISH HEWS fleotols b ;orfagteerk•ta:" Dellultsz947 ADD IFTYPE SHOPS, INC. - 342-7800 Franklin Pointe ATTACHED SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ONE AND TWO STORY Rabbi Schechter said, when word leaked to the congrega- tion about his Jan. 31 ouster, congregants began collecting signatures for a petition for a congregational meeting and that many more than the minimum 20 names were collected. He said the board meeting which APPLICATIONS FOR LEASE AVAILABLE 398-2255 voted not to extend his tenure was held in secret. ,However, word of „ e o- . • T i;: if - -11/4 • 5, • • • --11 40 -41 ,2 ring 7r //y el', //// (//r4; // /1 * /// , (// 1/ ,y (7- j,17 . in the Southern Sinai SHARMEL-SHEIKH — Forest saplings were recently planted in the southern Sinai, Sharmel-Sheikh and Abu Rudeis by the Jewish National Fund, after hydrological ' of -J /1/t1 • .- jefe'' / 't V r L * exploration showed that there was sufficient water to sustain the young trees. The saolings were raised in one of the JNF nurseries under special conditions to accustom them to the desert climate. '71 DODGES DART! 91;99S_ CHARGER! POLARA! At Hudson's Northland and Oakland only, we've collected an extraordinary !_41124-- selection of jewelry with that. very special charm of the antique. .At outstanding_ FULL FACTORY EQUIPMENT MAKE AN OFFER SALE!" JOIN THE SWINGERS AT NORTHWESTERN DODGE 10500 W. 8 MILE ROAD JUST EAST Of MEYERS Coil 399-6700 savings, find a variety of pieces in 14 kt. gold, many set with precious and semi- precious stones, including garnets, rubies, sapphires, opals, aquamarines and monds. Pins, earrings, bracelets and some rings are now priced for excellent values from 11.97 to 599.97. Come save in Hudson's Fine Jewelry DepartMent. hudsoris tio„ BEST SERVICE. dismissal. 08183030