In the wake of my posts on the Rabbinical Council of California (RCC), many people, Jews and non-Jews, have asked me if I fear repercussions. The answer is no.
I was reporting on a lawsuit that is in the community’s interest to know. The Complaint was public. I did some digging and added some details to the Complaint, but the essence of my reporting comes from that filed lawsuit.
I am a part of Los Angeles Orthodox Judaism. I converted to Orthodox Judaism. I study Orthodox Judaism daily. It informs my reporting.
I have had my share of conflicts with the RCC in the past. Nothing I’ve learned in this story has surprised me.
Battles are messy, however. They can blow up in a million different directions. Who knows what will happen from here.
So why do I report nasty stories about my own community? Well, reporting has been the essence of my self-identity since eighth grade. That’s when I decided to go into journalism.
I love to write. I love a good story. I love exposing wrongdoing. It adds purpose to my life. I feel righteous when I can add important information, information that I would like to know about as a member of the community. What sorts of things deserve to be aired? Information that helps people make better decision.
I’ve been reporting on abuse in the Orthodox community since 2004. What motivates people who are anti-abuse activists? For some, it is primarily about stopping abuse. For others, it is primarily about making a name for themselves and making themselves feel good by feeling important. For others, it is largely about hating on the rabbis. For me, it is primarily a reflex that’s been honed over three decades. When I spot something that grabs me, I want to write about it.
