Rabbi of prominent synagogue arrested on voyeurism charges

By David Collins
WBAL
October 15, 2014

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/rabbi-of-prominent-synagogue-arrested-on-voyeurism-charges/29129054

BALTIMORE —A rabbi at a prominent Washington, D.C., synagogue who teaches at Towson University was arrested and accused of secretly recording women in showers.

Police arrested Barry Freundel at his home in Washington, D.C., Tuesday morning. He's charged with voyeurism.

A witness told WBAL-TV's sister station in Washington, D.C., WRC-TV, that Freundel installed a hidden camera inside the women's showers at Georgetown's Kesher Israel Orthodox Synagogue. The showers are used for ritual cleansing.

Freundel, 62, is also an associate professor who teaches in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at Towson University.

The synagogue released a statement, saying, "This is a painful moment for Kesher Israel Congregation and the entire Jewish community. At this challenging time, we draw strength from our faith, our tradition, and our fellow congregants. Upon receiving information regarding potentially inappropriate activity, the Board of Directors quickly alerted the appropriate officials. Throughout the investigation, we cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. After today's arrest of Rabbi Dr. Barry Freundel, the Board of Directors suspended him without pay. As always, Kesher Israel will remain open as a place of learning, prayer, and community, including throughout the remainder of the Sukkot holiday. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We respectfully request that our community be granted privacy. Any further questions should be directed to the U.S. Attorney's Office."

Towson University released a statement Tuesday, saying it was aware of the charges against the rabbi.