Georgetown Synagogue Fires Rabbi Accused of Voyeurism

A Georgetown synagogue has fired its rabbi who is accused of and charged by police with voyeurism.

Kesher Israel Board of Directors terminated the contract of Rabbi Barry Freundel last week, the board said in a statement. He faces six counts of voyeurism after police found a clock radio with a hidden camera in the shower area of a ritual bath, known as a mikvah.

Freundel, 62, was the spiritual leader of the high-profile synagogue and was suspended from Kesher Israel without pay on Oct. 14, the day of his arrest.

Based on last week’s action by the Board of Directors, his relationship with Kesher Israel has permanently ended, the board’s statement reads.

Freundel has also been asked to vacate the rabbinic residence by Jan. 1, 2015; that’s where Freundel was the day he was arrested, led away in handcuffs, Washingtonian first reported. The residence is a few blocks away from the synagogue.

The board characterized their decision as being made ”under extraordinarily difficult and unfortunate circumstances.”

“We encourage members of our community to reach out to the shul’s leadership to voice any concerns, provide input, or even just to talk. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts,” the board said.

“We look forward to continuing to build a vibrant future for Kesher Israel, and to ensuring our community remains a warm, welcoming, and safe place to gather, worship, and learn,” the board noted.