RABBI SCHOCHET SHOULD HAVE TESTED HIS THEORY

Fifty years ago, a defeated candidate famously said “You won’t have Richard Nixon to kick around anymore”. Nixon was a bad loser but Rabbi Schochet doesn’t even merit that epithet as he declined to enter the contest and sought to justify this with a rancorous diatribe ( Comment, March 16).

If he is to be believed, prejudice against Chabad within the United Synagogue would have pre-destined him fail — a risible claim considering his achievements within the US.

He also mentions that he might have been hampered by being “too outspoken”. I prefer indiscreet, gauche or even plainly wrong. Three years ago, he falsely accused John Lewis of planning to boycott Israeli goods. He has also called for an end to Orthodox conversions. Could it just be that he is considered a “loose canon”?

Even if his claim of prejudice were true, history is full of people who had the confidence to fight and win: JFK, Churchill, Thatcher, Obama. How astonishing that the uncompromising, high-profile, media-savvy Rabbi Schochet should cry “foul” without even coming on to the pitch. It seems to me that the reason is not so much foul as fowl — namely the one that provides us with our favourite soup! Herbert Goldberg herbie.g@hgtechnical.demon.co.uk

Rabbi Schochet is concerned about the US taking on Chabad Rabbis and blames “anti-black” prejudice.

He neglects to mention the dual role of the Chabad rabbi as a “Chabad shaliach” and US pulpit rabbi. What happens if Chabad has a policy that contravenes US policy, or is unhappy about a particular rabbi taking a position without their approval? Who calls the shots — Chabad Lubavitch UK or the rabbi’s employer?

Chabad demands loyalty from its adherents, requiring applicants for a US position to obtain permission from the local Chabad rabbi or from directors. This presents a conflict of interest and US shuls have every right to be concerned, especially with the growth of organisations like Chabad on Campus, which are in direct competition with the establishment.

The concerns are not prejudicial but based on Chabad’s own policies. Rabbi Berel Cohen achossid@gmail.com

I have always been an admirer of Rabbi Schochet’s clear thinking and excellent writing. So I was particularly surprised by his hysterical rant. I hope Rabbi Schochet will get back to what he is good at and abandon this particular personal crusade. Martin Klein Loom Lane, Radlett, WD7