Rabbi Tropper: Career, the Eternal Jewish Family, and Subsequent Scandals
The career of Rabbi Tropper was marked by a rise through prominent educational roles within the Orthodox Jewish community, followed by a series of high-profile legal and ethical scandals. From leading institutions for baalei teshuva (individuals returning to the Jewish faith) to founding a controversial conversion project, Tropper's influence was significant before his eventual resignation and exile from the Monsey community.
Professional Career and Educational Leadership
Tropper began his professional journey working for Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. He later transitioned to the United States, where he served as the educational director of Ohr Sameach in Yonkers and Monsey, New York.
In 1981, Tropper collaborated with Rabbi Avrohom Gershon Tress to establish the Kol Yaakov Torah Center. This institution was specifically designed as a yeshiva for baalei teshuva, and Tropper assumed the role of rosh yeshivah, which is the dean or head of the school.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Eternal Jewish Family Project
Tropper founded the Eternal Jewish Family (EJF), a project aimed at streamlining the conversion process for intermarried families while simultaneously advocating for more rigorous standards for conversion to Judaism. He served as the director and chairman of the EJF's Rabbinic Committee until 2009.
The project received substantial financial backing from Thomas Kaplan and his nephew, Guma Aguiar. According to IRS documents, the duo donated at least $8 million to support the organization's goals.
Key Facts
- Founding Role: Co-founded the Kol Yaakov Torah Center in 1981.
- EJF Funding: Received over $8 million in donations from Thomas Kaplan and Guma Aguiar.
- Leadership: Served as Rosh Yeshivah and chairman of the EJF Rabbinic Committee.
- Resignation: Formally relinquished all positions and left Monsey in early 2010.
Legal Disputes and Ethical Controversies
Financial Allegations
In October 2009, Guma Aguiar filed a lawsuit against Tropper, alleging that he had misappropriated funds intended for charitable purposes. In response, Tropper claimed that Aguiar had threatened him physically, an accusation that Aguiar's legal counsel denied.
Conversion Disputes
In 2006, The Jewish Week reported that Tropper had revoked a woman's conversion because she occasionally wore pants. Tropper denied this, asserting that the revocation was actually due to the woman breaking the Shabbat, and that he was merely reporting the violation to the proper authorities.
The 2009 Sex Tape Scandal
In December 2009, audio recordings surfaced online featuring conversations between Tropper and a woman he was supervising through the conversion process. The tapes revealed Tropper encouraging the woman to engage in sexual activities with other men, including an individual referred to as "the Satmar guy," and discussing a sexual relationship between the two of them.
The recordings included fantasies about rape and evidence of financial arrangements, including a $1,300 monthly stipend for the woman in November. The woman later stated that Tropper suggested a quid pro quo, implying that fulfilling his needs would facilitate her conversion. Tropper issued a statement expressing regret for conduct that appeared to violate laws of modesty but admitted no legal wrongdoing.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Resignation and Departure from Monsey
Following the release of the tapes, the Eternal Jewish Family announced Tropper's resignation on December 12, 2009. The organization initially named Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel as the new chairman and Rabbi Chaim Blum as interim director, though these announcements were later modified or deleted from the EJF website.
The scandal culminated on February 14, 2010, when Tropper was summoned to a meeting at Yeshiva Bais Mikroh in Monsey. To avoid the meeting, Tropper signed an agreement admitting he failed to meet the Shulchan Aruch (the code of Jewish law) requirement for a leader to be Pirko No’eh (of a pleasing/honorable appearance/conduct). He relinquished all positions, severed ties with his former yeshiva, and agreed to move out of Monsey.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Institutions | Ohr Somayach, Ohr Sameach, Kol Yaakov Torah Center, Eternal Jewish Family (EJF) |
| Major Funding | $8 million+ from Thomas Kaplan and Guma Aguiar |
| Primary Allegations | Misappropriation of funds, sexual misconduct, and unethical conversion practices |
| Final Outcome | Resigned all posts and exiled from Monsey in February 2010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Eternal Jewish Family project?
The Eternal Jewish Family (EJF) was designed to make it easier for intermarried families to obtain conversions to Judaism while maintaining rigorous standards for the process.
Who funded the Eternal Jewish Family?
The project was funded by Thomas Kaplan and Guma Aguiar, who contributed at least $8 million according to IRS records.
What were the allegations in the Guma Aguiar lawsuit?
Guma Aguiar sued Tropper in October 2009, alleging that Tropper had misappropriated funds that were given to him for charitable purposes.
What happened during the 2009 sex tape scandal?
Recordings were leaked showing Tropper encouraging a woman under his conversion supervision to have sex with other men and discussing a sexual relationship with her, including fantasies of rape and financial payments.
Why did Rabbi Tropper leave Monsey?
Following immense pressure from the community and the revelation of the tapes, Tropper signed an agreement admitting he did not meet the conduct requirements of a leader (Pirko No’eh) and agreed to relinquish his positions and move out of the area.