Child Sexual Abuse In Orthodox Jewish Community Topic of Panel Discussion

By Linze Rice
DNA Info
November 4, 2015

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151104/west-ridge/child-sexual-abuse-orthodox-jewish-community-topic-of-panel-discussion

Rabbi Aryeh "Larry" Dudovitz (l.) leaving court in 2013 with his attorney, Richard Kling. Dudovitz faces charges of sexual abuse.

WEST RIDGE — The taboo of child sexual abuse spans cultures across the world, but some Orthodox Jewish leaders say it's particularly difficult for victims of abuse to speak up and seek justice in their tight-knit community.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, some of those leaders will come together in West Ridge to lead a panel discussion on the topic at Congregation Ezras Israel, 7001 N. California Ave., in an event organized by the Decalogue Society of Lawyers.

“The greatest nightmare of any parent, family or community is harm caused to our children," said Mitchell Goldberg, second vice president of the lawyer society and chair of the event. "It is important for all of us to unite in protecting our most valuable and vulnerable population, our children, from those who would abuse them — including within our own communities. Ignoring the danger is not an option."

Goldberg thanked the panelists and local Jewish groups, as well as the Cook County State's Attorney and Chicago Police Department, for their work in "educating the broader Jewish community about the dangers of Child Sexual Abuse and the tools and services available to help victims and their families.”

Between 1-4 p.m., Prof. Steven Resnicoff will moderate a discussion between panelists Rabbi Yosef Blau, Dr. Michael J. Salamon, survivor Rena Wolf, Assistant Cook County States Attorney Sharon Kanter and Det. Charles Hollendoner free of charge to the public.

Sexual abuse of children in the Jewish community is an especially difficult problem to tackle. Though sexual abuse is certainly not condoned in any way, there exists some confusion regarding several Jewish laws that may serve to deter reporting abuse, including by victims, Goldberg said.

With the biggest population of Orthodox Jews in Chicago, it's a topic that has also touched lives in West Ridge.

In May 2013, Rabbi Larry Dudovitz, 45, was arrested on charges of criminal sexual assault of a minor in 2006. A 22-year-old man who said he was abused by Dudovitz spoke out after years of silence.

In July 2013, Dudovitz pleaded not guilty before a Cook County Criminal Court. He is set to face trial Nov. 16.