Der Standard, June 25, 2019

German original: https://derstandard.at/2000105399301/Kultusgemeinde-trennt-sich-von-Oberrabbiner-Folger

Commission is set up to look for a successor

Vienna – The Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) has agreed to part ways with Chief Rabbi Arie Folger. This was in accordance with Folger’s wish, the Board of Directors notes in an e-mail to its members.

For the city temple as well as for the rabbinate, “concrete measures have now been taken” to ensure smooth operation, assures the Board. Over the next few days, the details will be finalized together with the temple board and Rabbinical staff. In any case, the operation of the city temple will continue without restrictions. Folger was considered controversial in the community because of his personal conduct and his often strict interpretation of religion, especially in comparison to his predecessor Paul Chaim Eisenberg.

A special commission set up over the summer will be charged with looking for a new Chief Rabbi. “The commission will begin its work in accordance with the criteria previously defined by the Board of Directors and will operate without time pressure.”