Woodbury Jewish Center, Morrell Caterers Reach Settlement

Written by Heather Doyle, originally posted on June 21 at 6 a.m.

The back-and-forth battle between Woodbury Jewish Center and Morrell Caterers has come to an end, according to owner Scott Morrell.

Woodbury Jewish Center and Morrell Caterers — which is also based in Temple Israel of Lawrence — have decided to "settle amicably" and part ways after more than 20 years of business together, they said in a joint statement.

As part of the settlement, Morrell and WJC agreed to take back all allegations and negative statements fired at one another. WJC also stated they are "satisfied and comfortable with the kashruth of the food served at the Woodbury Jewish Center by Morrell of Woodbury."

"Compromise, dialogue and good sense prevailed that allowed us to conclude this chapter in our relationship and recognize the good will of all," Morrell said, saying the settlement embraced their mutual "ethics and integrity."

Accusations from two of Morrell's former employees, who claimed they were ordered to prepare kosher and non-kosher food in the same vicinity, sparked a lawsuit between the caterer and WJC in 2012.

WJC's Rabbi Raphael Adler had recommended to the center's board that the synagogue cut ties with the caterers after the accusations were made. Morrell fired back with a $10 million defamation suit against WJC, President Cynthia Matte, and Rabbi Adler.

WJC also accused Morrell of withholding over $600,000 in fees he had allegedly refused to pay because the condition of the building was turning customers away, according to earlier reports.

“Enough animus had occurred and it was time to put it behind them,” Howard Fensterman, Morrell's attorney, told The Jewish Week. “Fortunately, they were able to do that and reach a settlement that is acceptable to both parties.”

Morrell will drop the defamation suit and conclude business in the coming months, according to the report. The caterers will complete their scheduled events — 10 before Aug. 31 and "only a few thereafter" — and then continue working with Temple Israel in Lawrence and Temple Beth Torah in Melville.

"Woodbury Jewish Center’s loss is Temple Israel’s gain. We are pleased it was resolved. We are happy to become now the center of Morrell Caterer’s focus," said Jim Rotenberg, president of Temple Israel. "It also seems to us that the settlement of the kashruth issue demonstrates that it was never a real issue but a means of pushing for a negotiated settlement by the Woodbury Jewish Center. That indicates to us that the issue of kashruth at Temple Israel was never an issue at all."

According to the joint statement, WJC and Morrell will officially sever ties Aug. 30.

"I look back with pride and affection at the thousands of families who have celebrated at the WJC, confident that Morrell of Woodbury would make those parties ones to remember for generations to come," Morrell said.

The cases between Morrell and the employees who made the initial accusations are still pending, according to The Jewish Week.