February 15, 2010
-
News: Synagogue Leader Accused of Being Scam Artist
Credit card thievery runs in all circles, even in the synagogue. A federal lawsuit alleges that Benny Rogosnitzky, a reputable Manhattan cantor of the Park East Synagogue scammed two non-profit organizations, his synagogue and his mother-in-law. Rabbi Mordechai Suchard, founder and president of Gateways, a Jewish Mission organization, reported in a deposition that while employed for the synagogue, Rogosnitzky had asked to use the organization's credit card for retreat reservations sponsored by Cantors World organization. However, when Suchard received the credit card statement he discovered that Rogosnitzky had spent over $150,000 on personal expenses.
Originally when questioned about the unauthorized credit card charges, Rogosnitzky claimed he knew nothing of them. Later he changed his story and said the charges were a mistake. Eventually, he acknowledged the charges and on three occasions wrote checks to cover them. Unfortunately, three of the checks were returned for insufficient funds. According to Rabbi Suchard, the American Express credit card charges included airline tickets to Israel, food, and alcohol.
The National Council of Young Israel also claims to have been scammed by the cantor. Tziporah Spear, Marketing Director for the Council said that Rogosnitzky also asked her for the organization's credit card to reserve a spot as well at a Cantors World event. The Council discovered over $150,000 of unauthorized transactions when the bill arrived which included 17 separate airline tickets. This time, Rogosnitzky claimed the money was a loan and once again his repayment check bounced.
Klara Ringel, Rogosnitzky's mother-in-law, says it wasn't her credit card he abused but rather her heritage. Ringel is a Holocaust survivor and gave her son-in-law $132,000 to buy an ambulance in Israel to honor the family name. However, he gave the check to Rabbi Saul Kassin who in turn wrote checks back to Rogosnitzky. Kassin was arrested last year on charges he used the charity to launder money for corrupt politicians. The trial is set for March 3rd.