First and foremost, Beth Tfiloh has always relied upon the objective expertise of law enforcement investigative bodies.  The teacher in question, Rabbi Shmuel Krawatsky, returned to Beth Tfiloh following his suspension, only after the completion of a thorough investigation by law enforcement of alleged misconduct at Camp Shoresh in 2015. Beth Tfiloh was not privy to this investigation and upon contacting Social Services we were informed that their protocol was that only people directly involved in the case would receive documentation.  We were informed by letter dated March 22, 2016 that Frederick County law enforcement, the States’ Attorney and Child Protective Services had completed their investigation and “have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate that any criminal offense occurred between the parties and/or any third parties,” and we were informed that the case was closed with a finding of “unsubstantiated.” In the absence of any credible evidence from an objective source that he engaged in any inappropriate conduct, Beth Tfiloh had no basis to take any employment action against Rabbi Krawatsky. Contrary to that reported in the article, Beth Tfiloh was never contacted by the Orthodox Union regarding this matter.

 

In the past 15 years of his tenure with Beth Tfiloh, there has never been --- to this day -- any allegation of misconduct or inappropriate behavior by Rabbi Krawatsky involving Beth Tfiloh Community School or Congregation, Beth Tfiloh Camp, any Beth Tfiloh child or a Beth Tfiloh family.  Beth Tfiloh has no access to information when there is a Child Protective Services investigation to independently investigate allegations that do not involve Beth Tfiloh, Beth Tfiloh students or families or a Beth Tfiloh facility and it is why we relied on the official findings and recommendations of law enforcement.  

 

Beth Tfiloh has had in place, for many years, policies and procedures to protect our students from sexual abuse and child neglect, and to report cases of suspected abuse and neglect. Newly articulated and refined procedures implemented nearly two years ago reflect best practices as recommended by Baltimore Child Abuse Center for ensuring the safety of our children.  Rabbi Krawatsky returned to Beth Tfiloh in 2016 and was subject to those policies and procedures like all teachers.  We are aware of no safety concerns or complaints about Rabbi Krawatsky’s conduct at Beth Tfiloh at any time.

 

Beth Tfiloh was shocked to learn of the details of the newly reported allegations by the New York Jewish Week.  The Executive Committee of the Board determined that the explosive nature of these allegations and the associated publicity made it impossible for Rabbi Krawatsky to effectively carry out his educational duties at Beth Tfiloh. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees authorized Rabbi Krawatsky’s immediate termination and prohibition from returning to Beth Tfiloh’s campus. Beth Tfiloh’s decision to terminate Rabbi Krawatsky should not be viewed as a determination as to the truth of the media account.

 

The safety and wellbeing of our students has always been our top priority.  We fully support Dr. Schorr’s careful and thoughtful decision-making in the interest of our school community and the children.  We have no doubt that our professional staff, led by Dr. Schorr, has conducted themselves properly at all times. These difficult issues have been considered and acted upon with the Executive Committee of the Board’s knowledge and authorization at each critical decision along the way.

 

The Board of Trustees of Beth Tfiloh Community School hopes and prays that this matter is resolved quickly so that all parties involved can find peace and put this matter behind them.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joel Cohn

President,

Board of Trustees of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School