NY - SNAP applauds Rabbi in buffalo for speaking out against alleged predator
We are disturbed that Rabbi Shalman has been able to escape his sordid past and once again be in active ministry. At the same time, we are proud of the response from community members, most notably Rabbi Keith Karnofsky, who have openly spoken out against Shalman returning to the pulpit and done his part to warn church goers of Shalman’s crimes.
In order for real change to happen, efforts like those of Rabbi Karnofsky must become commonplace, not rare. We are glad to see that he has taken the lead in this situation, and hope that the rest of the members of the Buffalo Board of Rabbis will follow his example.
At the same time, we are dismayed that people – such as Hillel Board Chairman Dan Lenard – are excusing Shalman’s sexual impropriety due to his knowledge of the Torah. Rather, we think that those who practice the morals taught in Torah rather than know its contents are better fit to lead temple services.
We hope that everyone involved in the Buffalo Jewish community will choose to emulate Rabbi Karnofsky instead of Lenard. And we hope that anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered misdeeds by Rabbi Shalman will come forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoing, protect others and start healing.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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