May 9, 2008 7:49 pm US/Eastern
Anti-Semitism Accusations Flying Around Hamptons
Many Year-Round Residents Say They Are Worried Exclusive Area Turning Into Orthodox Jewish Enclave
WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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There are rumblings of anti-Semitism on Long Island. Some who summer in the exclusive Hamptons have lodged complaints, fearing the beachfront community is attracting an enclave of Orthodox Jews.
CBS
There are rumblings of anti-Semitism on Long Island.
Some who summer in the exclusive Hamptons have lodged complaints, fearing the beachfront community is attracting an enclave of Orthodox Jews.
The Hamptons may be involved in a Holy War over a strip of plastic attached to power poles in a one square mile perimeter around the Orthodox Hampton Synagogue in tony Westhampton Beach.
"The building of the "eruv" is really about some young mothers in my congregation who want to wheel their babies to synagogue on Saturday," Rabbi Marc Schneier said.
Schneier explains that "eruv" is a symbolic boundary that allows Jews who observe traditional rules concerning Shabbat to carry certain items outside the walls of their own property that would otherwise be forbidden.
But a disturbing email was circulated and complaints came into the village with "worries" the rabbi was trying to "turn" wealthy Westhampton beach into an Orthodox enclave.
Reaction was all over the map, with many speaking their minds.
"They walk in the street, which you're not supposed to, cross anyplace," one year-round resident told CBS 2 HD. "It's just not right."
"The stores will all have to change to conform with Shabbat," another said.
"The Orthodox, I'm not sure, that's a little bit more strict," said another.
Think this is a touchy issue? Perhaps.
"With residents' businesses, a personal issue, a religious issue, so it's got legs," one man said.
"The tapestry of America should have the threads of all people," added another woman.
Congregation members say anti-Semitism hurts.
"Horrific and vulgar comments for people to make, but it is coming from ignorance," Schneier said.
Rabbi Schneier says he is overwhelmed with tremendous support from the mayor and others and feels confident that the "eruv" will be approved at the board meeting May 28.
With a conservative congregation and reform membership, the Orthodox Hampton Synagogue has 1,000 congregants on Saturday mornings during the "summer season."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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