Yeshiva Head Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations: Report

TEANECK, NJ — The head of a Bergen County yeshiva has resigned amid allegations he sexually abused a camper years ago, according to a report.

Rabbi Shlomo Adelman sent an email to Torah Academy of Bergen County families on Wednesday morning, announcing he would step down. The email was reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency after it was posted online by an advocate for sexual abuse victims in the Jewish Orthodox community.

In September, Adelman was placed on paid leave after a lawsuit was filed alleging he sexually abused a juvenile in 1990. The alleged abuse occurred while Adelman was a counselor at a camp in upstate New York, according to JTA. Adelman was reinstated to his position in October, JTA reported.

In the email, Adelman told families he was unable to focus on his duties as head of school because of personal issues. He did not mention the allegations against him.

"The students and parents of TABC deserve a Head of School who is not distracted by outside issues and, at this time, I cannot make the full-time commitment that the job requires and that the Yeshiva deserves," he wrote.

A search committee is in formation for a new Head of School; in the meantime, Rabbi Steven Finkelstein, Director of Guidance, will be the point person for students' academic needs.