From the WSJ: They don’t want a shul

But some residents of Southampton apparently don’t see the charm. Thus the lawsuit. The dispute has gotten ugly with some locals suggesting that the synagogue is unsanitary and a "nuisance." Though local real-estate executives report that property values continue to soar, the plaintiffs remain unconvinced.

As one resident told New York magazine: "I’m sure we’ll be hearing complaints about anti-Semitism, but I’d feel the same way about Holy Rollers." Indeed, the issue may not be whether to embrace Jews in Southampton–who make up a significant portion of the village’s residents and visitors–but whether to embrace a certain kind of Jew in Southampton.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad