Review of “When Rabbis Abuse” by Elana Sztokman

This book is brilliant, chilling and necessary. Dr. Sztokman does a comprehensive and insightful job exploring sexual abuse among rabbis and other high-profile Jewish professionals and donors. As a survivor of abuse at the hands of a congregational rabbi in a Reform setting, I found some of the book especially painful and resonant — for example, all the ways in which Jewish institutions perpetuate abusive patterns by blaming and re-traumatizing victims. This has got to stop. One idea I have is that in the case of abusive congregational rabbis, the survivors should be reassured that their very presence in the congregation is essential for its healing. The survivors should be embraced (no, not literally!) by the remaining clergy, board and executive director, and should be told: “This appalling ethical breach happened on our watch. We feel terrible about it, and want to make it up to you. You’re an integral part of our healing as we move forward, even if you choose to stay silent. Please remain a member, and don’t pay synagogue fees until you feel better about this place — no rush. Meanwhile, we’re here for you.” Now THAT would be the “audacious hospitality” to which the Reform movement aspires. When Rabbis Abuse should be on the reading list of every rabbinical student and every Jewish professional. Thank you, Dr. Sztokman, for this original, well-researched, riveting book. — June 14, 2022