A rabbi’s defiance. That’s what brought us here to Congregation Netivot Shalom. This unassuming building on Palisade Avenue in Teaneck New Jersey holds a story of faith courage and controversy.
Congregation Netivot Shalom is more than just a synagogue. It’s a center of Modern Orthodox Jewish life. It’s a place where tradition meets progressive thought. Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot its spiritual leader has become a figurehead in a national debate.
The story begins with an internship. Marianne Novak a student from Yeshivat Maharat a seminary that ordains women was chosen to intern at Netivot Shalom. This seemingly simple act sparked a firestorm. The Rabbinical Council of Bergen County RCBC a powerful Orthodox body decided to expel Rabbi Helfgot for this. They opposed women in rabbinical roles. This decision was made behind closed doors. There was no open debate.
Rabbi Helfgot and his supporters believe that individual congregations should make their own decisions. They reject outside interference. Yigal Gross an attorney helped fund the internship. He criticized the RCBC’s secrecy and lack of scholarly discussion. Others like Rabbi Yosef Adler of Congregation Rinat Yisrael also voiced their support for Rabbi Helfgot. He even publicly stated his support for recognizing women in the clergy.
The controversy ignited heated discussions. A hashtag #imwithravnati spread on social media. Community members and even some rabbis from the larger Rabbinical Council of America RCA criticized the RCBC’s actions. They called the bylaw unnecessary and divisive. Paula Eiselt a Teaneck resident and member of Netivot Shalom pointed out the RCBC’s main function is kashrut certification. She stated that if the RCBC continues to divide the community they will find other organizations for this service.
Rabbi Shaul Robinson of Lincoln Square Synagogue added his voice to the chorus of support. He praised Rabbi Helfgot’s scholarship. He quoted Maimonides saying those who disgrace a Torah scholar have no share in the World to Come. He even made it clear that he would have done everything to ensure Rabbi Helfgot’s position.
Marianne Novak the intern herself remained unfazed. She said that she comes to teach Torah and the outside noise doesn’t affect her work. She even expressed sadness that the RCBC decision would affect a future colleague’s ability to contribute to the community. This controversy highlighted a deep divide within Modern Orthodoxy. A survey revealed that opinions on the role of women in the clergy are almost equally divided.
Today as we stand before Congregation Netivot Shalom remember this story. It’s a story of one synagogue’s struggle. It’s a microcosm of a larger debate within Orthodox Judaism. It’s a reminder that faith tradition and change are not always easily reconciled. But it’s also a testament to the commitment and courage of those who strive to create a more inclusive and vibrant Jewish community.