Ethan Fried, an Orthodox rabbi and 2016 graduate of Harvard University who was working for the campus Hillel, a center for Jewish students, and his wife, Bella Fried, were placed on administrative leave last week, The Harvard Crimson reported.
According to the student newspaper, the decision was announced in a WhatsApp chat on Dec. 12, before the start of Shabbat. Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, executive director of Harvard Hillel, told the Crimson that the couple was placed on leave but did not provide more information.
Citing anonymous sources, the paper wrote of “disagreements between the Frieds and Hillel leadership,” and that Rubenstein edited out Israel-related references from Fried’s sermons. Rubenstein said in a WhatsApp chat that the decision had nothing to do with Zionism, per the Crimson.
The paper also reported “tension” over compensation for Bella Fried, who advised students part-time.
Multiple students quoted in the newspaper story sounded “surprised” that Fried was placed on leave. Hillel Harvard links to his name and position currently state, “access not granted.”
