Rabbi Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors

The Struggles of Reporting Rabbi Sexual Abuse — and How Legal Support Can Help

Survivors of sexual abuse within ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities often face unique and deeply rooted obstacles when seeking justice. A 2012 New York Times investigation revealed how community norms and religious doctrine can make reporting abuse incredibly difficult. Here’s what many victims encounter:

Challenges Rabbi Sec Abuse Survivors Often Face:

• Cultural Pressure: The concept of mesirah discourages reporting fellow Jews to secular authorities, leaving many survivors feeling trapped and unsupported.
• Community Intimidation: Victims and their families are frequently ostracized, harassed, or pressured into silence by neighbors and community leaders.
• Institutional Inaction: Rabbinical courts and religious institutions often attempt to handle abuse allegations internally, sometimes quietly reassigning accused abusers rather than involving law enforcement.
• Legal Barriers: The insular nature of these communities often makes it difficult for law enforcement to build strong cases without survivor cooperation or community support.

How a Rabbi Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help:

• Confidential Guidance: An experienced sexual abuse lawyer offers a safe, judgment-free space to share your story and understand your rights.
• Protection from Retaliation: Legal teams can help shield you from intimidation and guide you through protective measures if threats or harassment occur.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys know how to navigate difficult cases and collect the documentation needed to hold both individuals and institutions accountable.
• Pursuit of Justice and Compensation: Your lawyer will advocate for financial recovery to cover therapy, medical care, and emotional harm—while pushing for institutional accountability.

If you’ve experienced abuse by a rabbi or religious leader, you are not alone. You have the right to speak up—and the legal power to be heard.

Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…

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Notable Rabbi Sex Abuse Cases

​There have been several notable lawsuits involving allegations of sexual abuse by rabbis and within Jewish religious institutions. Some significant cases include the following:​

1. Yeshiva University (New York)

• Allegations: Over 50 men filed lawsuits claiming they were sexually abused by teachers and staff at the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys, dating back to at least 1971. ​
• Legal Developments: A New York judge allowed these lawsuits to proceed, citing the New York Child Victims Act, which revived previously time-barred claims.​

2. Talmudical Academy (Maryland)

• Allegations: A former student alleged that Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro sexually abused him during the 1970s while he was a resident at the school.
• Legal Developments: The lawsuit was filed under the Maryland Child Victims Act, which eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases.​

3. Rabbi Daniel Greer (Connecticut)

• Allegations: Rabbi Daniel Greer was found liable for sexually abusing a male student at the Yeshiva of New Haven.
• Legal Developments: In a civil trial, the court awarded the plaintiff $15 million in compensatory damages. Greer was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 12 years to be served.​
  

4. Rabbi Barry Freundel (Washington, D.C.)

• Allegations: Rabbi Barry Freundel secretly recorded women during ritual baths (mikvah) at Kesher Israel Congregation.
• Legal Developments: A class-action lawsuit resulted in a $14.25 million settlement for the victims.​
  

5. Oholei Torah (New York)

• Allegations: A former student filed a lawsuit claiming he was sexually abused almost daily by another student at the Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva in Brooklyn during 2004-2005.
• Legal Developments: The lawsuit accuses the school of gross negligence in failing to protect students.​
  

6. Washington Hebrew Congregation (Washington, D.C.)

• Allegations: Multiple children at the congregation’s preschool were allegedly sexually abused by a staff member between 2016 and 2018.​
• Legal Developments: Civil lawsuits were filed against the congregation, alleging negligence in supervising and reporting the abuse.​

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Get Help From The Rabbi Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse from a rabbi or other religious leader, you may be eligible to take legal action and hold the individual and organization accountable. A rabbi sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Take the first step by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.

The lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse, and have held countless religious leaders and organizations accountable for their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I file a lawsuit if I was abused by a rabbi years ago?

Yes, many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for clergy sexual abuse, especially involving minors. An attorney can help you determine if you’re still eligible to file a claim.

What kind of compensation can I receive in a rabbi sexual abuse case?

Survivors may be eligible for compensation related to emotional trauma, therapy costs, lost income, and other damages. Each case is unique, and an attorney can help estimate the potential value based on your experience and the available evidence.

Will my identity be kept confidential if I come forward?

In most cases, yes. Courts often allow survivors to proceed anonymously, and your attorney can request additional protections to maintain your privacy.