Morrell Sues Rabbi, Synagogue for Defamation

Scott Morrell has filed a $10 million defamation suit against the rabbi, president, and congregation of the Woodbury Jewish Center. Morrell, owner of Morrell Caterers, took the suit against his former client

According to a report in The Jewish Week, Morrell's lawyers "sued Rabbi Adler, [president Cynthia] Matte and the congregation [of the Woodbury Jewish Center] for defamation and obtained a temporary restraining order preventing the synagogue from enforcing its termination notice." The terms of the notice ordered Morrell out of Woodbury Jewish Center's facilities by no later than this coming Monday.

who claim they were ordered to prepare non-kosher food in kosher facilities, replace high end liquor with cheaper brands, and of not paying proper wages and tips to workers.

While, the damage is done for the Woodbury Jewish Center.

"We must repair the damage to our shem tov [good name]," said Rabbi Adler's letter, according to The Jewish Week. "Replacing him with a kosher caterer of unquestioned and impeccable integrity will inspire the confidence sorely needed."

The Woodbury Jewish Center is the only congregation out of the three involved to declare an end to their relationship with Morrell. According to the Jewish Week report, Temple Beth Torah has opted for a clean slate approach, having Rabbi Shoteil Lebovic kasher (make kosher) their kitchen and installing security cameras. President of Temple Israel in Lawrence, Jim Rotenberg, has thrown his full support behind Morrell.

"I tell them categorically that we have no problem with Scott," he said. "He has always been terrific to us."