PEPPER PIKE, Ohio — Police have arrested a 60-year-old Greater Cleveland rabbi after he allegedly arranged to have sex with a teenager.
Rabbi Stephen Weiss, of B'nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike, was taken into custody Monday in Cuyahoga County. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office says Weiss believed he had been sending "sexually explicit" messages to a 15-year-old boy when, in fact, he was actually speaking to an undercover law enforcement officer.
According to authorities, Weiss made contact with the covert officer via a social media app and eventually set a time and place to meet with the person he thought was only 15. Members of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force immediately captured Weiss at the location and also apparently found condoms and lubricant inside his car.
Weiss is facing felony charges of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, and possession of criminal tools. He was released from custody Tuesday after posting 10% of a $50,000 bond but will be subject to GPS monitoring, according to court records.
Weiss has been at B'nai Jeshurun since 2001 and was also once president of the Greater Cleveland Board of Rabbis. The synagogue released the following statement to 3News on Wednesday morning:
"B’nai Jeshurun Congregation’s leadership was shocked to learn of the April 18 arrest of Senior Rabbi Stephen Weiss, said Rebekah Dorman, President of the Congregation’s Board of Trustees.
"'We acted quickly to suspend Rabbi Weiss immediately as Senior Rabbi,” she said. 'He has been ordered to cease engaging in any congregational duties and been barred from the premises. We will have no other comment on this situation at this time'
"She said that Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria, its long-time Rabbi, will immediately assume all Senior Rabbi responsibilities. 'Rabbi Rudin-Luria, along with Cantor Aaron Shifman and Education Engagement Rabbi Josh Foster, are continuing to work together in support of our congregation and to provide the religious and educational experiences that we value so highly.'
"Dorman noted that B’nai Jeshurun Congregation has been strong and vibrant for 156 years and faced many challenges along the way. 'We will continue on in that tradition as a synagogue family that supports and cares for each other in challenging times,' she said.
"The synagogue has arranged for Jewish Family Service Association and Bellefaire JCB to provide confidential counseling for congregants and staff in-person and on Zoom."
Should he be convicted, Weiss could potentially face multiple years in prison. WKYC has reached out to his attorney.