Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Synagogue's Sale To Developer Should Be Voided, According To New Lawsuit

photo by designslinger
The internal strife between differing factions fighting for control of Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation has just grown a little more epic, as a lawsuit has been filed to decide whether the recent sale of the building was valid.

For the past decade or so, there has been a divide in the leadership of the historic synagogue, located at 5029 Kenmore. Although services ceased being held there in 2008, the schism between Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz and the synagogue's board has continued. At its heart is the question of who has the right to control the future of the building.

There have been plenty of accusations and lawsuits flying over financial matters, the rabbi's condo, and the future of the temple building, which dates back to 1922.

In September of 2012, the synagogue was put up for sale. In May of this year, Cedar Street bought it and recently announced its plans to convert the building into 40 residential units.

But not so fast....

In a lawsuit (of course) filed in October, a representative of the synagogue claims that the sale to Cedar Street should be voided. It seeks to prove that Rabbi Lefkowitz's son signed the sale papers without having the right to do so, since the appeal process from yet another lawsuit was still underway at the time of the sale.

You can read more about the latest conflict in Crain's Chicago Business.

In 2010, the rabbi's attorney was quoted as saying, "Until it's resolved as to who's making decisions on behalf of the synagogue, it's unclear what will happen." The most recent lawsuit makes clear that that matter is still very much up in the air.

1 comment:

  1. Saw lots of Police in front of the Wilson/Sheridan McDonalds around 530 pm last night......Free coffee? Just curious what was going on. Seemed to be something.

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