To the Esteemed members of Ahavas Shalom,
I began my association with this great Kehilla one week after its founding in 1999. In 2013 I took on the chairmanship of Beis Medrash Ahavas Shalom, and I am very proud of how our kehilla has grown during these past few years. I have documented this growth with nearly 6000 pictures – pictures taken with love as a parent takes pictures of his own child’s growth through the years.
Unfortunately, this growth hit a snag as the Israeli government instituted restrictions on religious institutions under the guise of “COVID-19”. The vast majority our kehilla demand 100% fealty to these decrees. As I do not wear a mask, that meant that I was prohibited from entering our beloved Beis Medrash – even on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year.
A chairman must be on the same “wavelength” as the kehilla – both must be working towards the same goals. The chairman must also be able to interact with members on a regular basis, thereby enabling him to feel the “pulse” of the kehilla. I have tried to perform my duties as chairman from afar, but I have not been successful.
Therefore, I have decided to take a leave of absence from the chairmanship, from the Vaad and from our kehilla, effective immediately. I have already begun assisting the current vaad in taking over my various tasks, and will continue to do so in the future.
Perhaps one day the situation will change, and I will be invited back into our beis medrash. Until then, I will follow the desires of the kehilla and stay away.
I wish all of you hatzlocho and a chag Somayach!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Lev Seltzer
Chairman Emeritus – Beis Medrash Ahavas Shalom
