Parental alienation activist Sara Hassman was asked to leave from Sinai Temple in Westwood on the Thursday morning, the first day of Succot.
She’s had a conflict with leaders of the shul since the middle of 2012.
Sinai’s head of security, Edward Garcia, emailed Sara July 23, 2012: “Sara, I’m sorry to inform you but you will not be allowed to attend any social events at Sinai Temple. I will take the necessary measure to make sure our Temple is secured and taken care. Good day…”
On October 29, 2012, Sara emails Sinai’s head of rituals, Ralph Resnick:
Dear Ralph,
On Shabbos at 10:30am I was outside the synagogue coming to your service and security would not let me in. I had my pocketbook open for them to search and they asked my name and then told me I could not come in. I asked them why and they just said that was their instruction.
I asked them to please tell you since I told you Friday night at the APIAC event that I would be there plus I told you last Shabbos that I really needed to come back to your service.
Well, I am not allowed to come to Sinai Temple anymore, even to just sit quietly in your service and pray and hear Gracie’s questions to ponder etc. Isn’t this like what the Muslims are doing at the Temple Mount in Israel. Well, I don’t understand, since I have even made contributions to Sinai Temple and volunteered as you know since this is how I met you.
Well, as with many facets in my life, I just have to Begin Again and find my way but I know I have not done anything to warrant such behavior and will find a congregation that will welcome me and appreciate my attendance and contributions. I think you are a wonderful person Ralph and I think you run a very warm and enriching service. Please let the others know and I will not be attending the services and also the Bat Mitzvah on the 24th either. I will miss all of them and their kindness as well.
On November 1, 2012, Edward Garcia emailed:
Sara,
I just finished a meeting with Rabbi Wolpe and have sorted out all the confusion regarding you attending social events and services at Sinai Temple. Through a lengthily investigation reading over your emails through emails, I have advised Rabbi Wolpe to exclude you from any functions at Sinai Temple. The decision to not allow you to any function at Sinai, has been concurred from all departments and will continue to stand. My security staff has been advised not to allow you into the Temple for any gathering or social events.
If you have any more questions please address them with my department only or send me an email.
