Lawsuit unfolding in congregational dispute

A high-profile dispute in the Rhode Island and New York Jewish communities went to trial here Monday.

Opening arguments were heard in U.S. District Court in Providence before Judge John McConnell in a lawsuit pitting Newport’s Congregation Jeshuat Israel and Congregation Shearith Israel of New York. The dispute began in 2012 when Jeshuat Israel, which worships at Touro Synagogue, agreed to sell a set of rimonim dating to the 18th century to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. As reported at the time, the proceeds from the $7.4 million sale were used to create an endowment to maintain the Touro building and keep a rabbi in residence.

Shearith Israel, America’s oldest congregation, has served as the trustee of Touro, America’s oldest synagogue building, for nearly 200 years and objected to the transaction, saying that Jeshuat Israel did not have the right to sell synagogue property. But Jeshuat Israel argued that the New York congregation has not been involved in the property for years. The dispute has drawn national attention. According to reports as of press time, the trial should last well into next week.