For the last 10 years, the local Congregation Jeshuat Israel has been embroiled in a legal dispute with another congregation in New York over ownership of the Touro Synagogue and its property.
Last month, Judge Maureen Keough ruled the New York Congregation Shearith Israel is the owner of Touro Synagogue and can evict the local group. But she also granted a stay on the eviction, which was extended on Thursday because of an expected appeal.
Leaders of the local congregation have the option to take the case to the Rhode Island Supreme Court to lift the eviction order and remain in the synagogue.
Founded in 1763, Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States. The dispute started when the Newport group tried to sell antique bells that belong to the synagogue. The New York congregation said the objects are their property and selling them would violate their religious tenets. They now want to move another Newport congregation into the building.
Judge Keough placed some conditions on the stay of eviction. She said Congregation Shearith Israel must have full and unfettered access to make whatever repairs are necessary. She also said that CJI must promise to comply with all the terms of the lease, including finding a rabbi. They must also find the money to pay for the security guards they have in place at the synagogue.
The judge said that the litigation feels like an ongoing family battle. She noted that there is nothing worse than a family that can’t get together and reach a rational decision.
“I encourage everyone to take a deep breath,” Judge Keogh said. “You all love the synagogue.”
Judge Keough said she hopes the two congregations in the dispute can reach a compromise.
