Prominent Rabbi Allegedly Spied on Women Showering with Camera Hidden in Clock Radio

A prominent local rabbi was arrested in Washington, DC, after someone complained he was filming women taking showers at his synagogue, where he has served as rabbi since 1987.

Rabbi Barry Freundel, 62, the spiritual leader of Georgetown synagogue Kesher Israel, has been charged by DC’s Metropolitan Police Department with voyeurism, according to multiple media reports. Washingtonian magazine noted that police officers were seen carrying computer equipment away from Freundel’s home on Tuesday.

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The case, made public Wednesday, involves a camera allegedly hidden in the synagogue, according to The Washington Post. The camera, the Post reported, was hidden inside a clock radio. Freundel was caught when a woman said she saw him setting up the radio, which reportedly also contained a motion-detecting hidden camera inside the shower, called a mikvah, WTTG reported.

The synagogue’s board of directors issued this statement, which appears on the Kesher Israel Web site:

“This is a painful moment for Kesher Israel Congregation and the entire Jewish community. At this challenging time, we draw strength from our faith, our tradition, and our fellow congregants.

Upon receiving information regarding potentially inappropriate activity, the Board of Directors quickly alerted the appropriate officials.

Throughout the investigation, we cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so.

After today’s arrest of Rabbi Dr. Barry Freundel, the Board of Directors suspended him without pay. As always, Kesher Israel will remain open as a place of learning, prayer, and community, including throughout the remainder of the Sukkot holiday.

This is a very difficult time for all of us. We respectfully request that our community be granted privacy. Any further questions should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s office.”

PHOTO of Freundel from synagogue Web site