Lawyers in Touro Synagogue Bells Dispute Ordered Not to Speak with Media

U.S. District Judge William Smith ordered lawyers representing Touro Synagogue and New York City’s Congregation Shearith Israel not to speak with any media outlets about the lawsuits brought against each other, the Providence Journal reports.

Read the ProJo’s full report here.

According to the Huffington Post, the two are in the midst of a dispute over the ownership of a set of Torah finial bells, which Touro Synagogue agreed to sell to the  Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for $7.4 million.

The sale, removing ownership of the bells from the Jewish community, violates religious practice.  

The museum has since rescinded its offer until the lawsuits are settled.