Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Thread #8 - Case of Shmuel Juravel (Baltimore, MD and Savannah, GA)


On May 25, 2006, there was a Pre-trail hearing on the case of Samuel Juravel. The case has been continued to July 10, 2006. There was NO plea hearing entered. Shmuel Juravel is still in custody. No bond posted.

Pre Trial Continued
July 10 at 9:00 am.

Judge Coogler
United States Circuit Court - Alabama Northern District
Hugo L. Black U. S. Courthouse
Birmingham, AL

Shmuel faces 70 years in Federal prison without parole plus a $750,000.00 fine.

Agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI arrested Shmuel Juravel (Feb. 21, 2005) at a Birmingham hotel after he arranged to have sex with a minor.

Juravel grew up in Baltimore, MD. Around fifteen years ago the first allegations were made against Shmuel of child sexual molestation. According to statements made on the various threads relating to this case on this blog the survivors and their parents sought help from Rabbi Moshe Heinemann who said he would take care of things. Needless to say, nothing happened.

Shmuel is the son of Rabbi Moshe and Shulamis Juravel of Baltimore, MD. Rabbi Juravel is employeed as a teacher at the Torah Institute of Baltimore.

Due to the number of postings on Thread #7, the discussion of Shmuel Juravel will continue here on Thread #8

102 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you believe that Shmuel was originally arrested on over four months ago (Feb. 21, 2006). To this day the Baltimore Jewish Times still has not even mentioned the case in their paper?

Do you think that the Baltimorian trio Rabbis Neuberger, Hopfer and Heinemann are using their influence to keep the story of a frum sex offender out of the papers?

June 28, 2006 7:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YOU paid for his defense? It is more than clear to me now that YOU only have daughters. I study Torah. I go to shul. I have not bashed a Rabbi, a community, or a family. YOU are being persuaded (it seems) by your friendship with Shmuel and the good memories that still haunt you. It is a natural prosess called DENIAL. Shmuel did something bad and got caught. I agree that he is mentally ill. I do not agree with you that we should all support him and take care of him. I think you need to sit down with his wife and talk about how he destroyed the world she loved and felt secure in. I think you should talk to one of the countless young men he has abused. (his own family members) After doing those two things ask yourself how YOU would feel IF you had a SON not if HE was your son.

June 28, 2006 8:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

can you believe that over 4 months after the arrest of shmuel that the savannah morning news has written virtuaaly NOTHING after the 3/1/ blip? After all, Savannah IS where he committed the vast majority of the atrocities and where so many spineless victims' families refuse to come forth and press the charges that would really bring justice in this case.uu

June 28, 2006 9:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How many survivors of shmuel juravel live in Baltimore?

How many survivors tried to warn others about his criminal behavior?

How many survivors were ignored or shunned for doing the right thing by stepping forward?

How many survivors are there in Savannah?

How many survivors in Baltimore shared their story with the Baltimore Times?

Did the reporter who interviewed the survivors feel there was not enough evidence?

Come on Phil, step up to the plate already!

June 28, 2006 10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whoever is paying for Shmuel's defense is a good American and a good Jew.

In this country, due process of law is every citizen's right.

I have sons as well as daughters. I haven't spoken to anyone abused, but even if I had, I don't think it would change my opinion or the court's mandate that Shmuel receive access to counsel, due process of law, and a fair trial.

June 28, 2006 11:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

do you think that phil jacobs or any rav read this? if you want to confront them, than contact them directly.

June 28, 2006 1:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've spoken to phil several times. He keeps telling me he's thinking about writing a story on Juravel.

How many months of thinking does he need? Don't forget about the other pressing stories that were done last week
http://www.jewishtimes.com/

June 28, 2006 2:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the one who wrote "YOU paid for his defense?", no I am not paying for his defense. I also don't have daughters, but that is irrelevant. I do think that every person is entitled to good defense and mental counseling. I also think that we carry responsibility as a community, for everyone in the community, good or bad.

June 28, 2006 2:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Person Paying for Juravel's Defense:

You have a right to your own opinion. You also have a right to spend your money as you see fit. Based on your comments, including your previous posts where you discuss your visit to Shmuel in jail, I would have ordinarily thought that you have no children of your own. Some people have told me who they think you are, and assuming they are correct, I will preface by saying that I respect you as an individual.

One poster pointed out that you only have daughters, not sons. I hope to G-d that no tragedy like this affects your family as it has mine. But, for the sake of argument, how would you react if Shmuel had molested or raped one of your daughters? Would you still plead with all of us to help him, support him, or defend him? I tend to think that you are a caring father and that you would insist that one who wronged your child in that way be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Either that or you would probably want Southern Justice/ A Time to Kill style (For those of you who never read that book I am referring to the stand-up father who shoots the rednecks that raped his daughter as they enter the court-house for their hearing).

I ask you to honestly tell us if you would have the same reaction if the trauma directly hit your home as it has many others. I do not think that Janie or Shmuel's family are asking for the same leniency for shmuel that you have written about.

In my opinion you are an intelligent individual and you became good friends with Shmuel-there was something about him that you liked. Since the truth came out I think that you have been having a difficult time accepting that your analysis of Shmuel's character was flawed. After all, you are a smart and successful professional- how could your judgment of the guy have been so far off? Instead, I implore you to remember that Shmuel fooled many of us- you are not the only one. Personally, I think the signs were all there, but we all kept our eyes shut. Nevertheless, Shmuel is smart and he fooled you. It happens. He may have good in him, but if he gets out his mental sickness almost guarantees that he will do this again. That is not a risk that I can accept. I do not mind Shmuel being institutionalized and getting help. I just do not think that he will ever fully recover to the point where I think he should get out. And I would never help or support any action aimed at his release

Finally, do not believe everything you hear simply because Shmuel tells you what he is going through. He is a skilled liar and manipulator. I trust him about as far as I can spit. Since my redneck skills are not very developed, I cannot spit too far.

June 28, 2006 3:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Stop being so personal, it is not about Shmuel and I, it is about a sick person that wasn’t treated well and instead of federal prison, needs to be in a mental facility.

I hope that nobody in my family was hurt by Shmuel, and it is hard for me to put myself in the parents shoes, but I think that I would like for Shmuel to be taken care of in a mental facility, even if this had happened to a member of my family, and I think that we should support him monetarily to get him the help that he needs (including the lawyer that will get him into the facility).

June 28, 2006 3:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Stop being so personal, it is not about Shmuel and I, it is about a sick person that wasn’t treated well and instead of federal prison, needs to be in a mental facility.

I hope that nobody in my family was hurt by Shmuel, and it is hard for me to put myself in the parents shoes, but I think that I would like for Shmuel to be taken care of in a mental facility, even if this had happened to a member of my family, and I think that we should support him monetarily to get him the help that he needs (including the lawyer that will get him into the facility).

June 28, 2006 3:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I cannot condone what is alleged has been done. I have sons. My attitude would be the same even if he molested one of my sons.

As a Jew, I take no comfort in thoughts of vengeance. "Hasham" (related to mash'em?) judges all, including who invoke hasham (opiates?).

Family members who resent their money being spent sound petty, however righteous their cause. I'm not justifying fraud, if any occurred, just stating the obvious.

But, the thought of any Jew being unable to fulfill basic mitsvot, such as sukkah, etc. hurts. He's a mummar, like everybody else. Every perpetrator is responsible for their actions; maximum security for life is a death sentence.



There has to be a better way. In the case of a second time offender, the laws are harsh and just. This is his first court appearance.

June 28, 2006 5:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you think that the Baltimorian trio Rabbis Neuberger, Hopfer and Heinemann are using their influence to keep the story of a frum sex offender




This has nothing to do with them. It's the trigger happy nature of some people on this blog that are stoping the article. SJ is in trouble and Hieneman drooped the ball. At least PJ is not as self reightous as Gary Rosenblat

June 28, 2006 7:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This person is evil personified. There is no help for him. This didn't just start; it's been going on for years and no one wanted to face what was going on.
And one poster thinks we should help him with money. NUTS !Not a cent.
And bashing the rabbi's..You bet !
Especially sinse they new about him and did nothing.. Hear no evil,see no evil, speak no evil and keep my name out of it ! SICK !

June 28, 2006 8:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Someone was referring to a previous blog where they said:

"Based on your comments, including your previous posts where you discuss your visit to Shmuel in jail"-----

I don't remember anyone talking about visiting him in jail---did I miss that?Which blog was that from?

June 28, 2006 9:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

to the person who wrote:

Anonymous said...
Only one comment. I am paying for Juravel's defense because if you thought for a minute what you would do if he was your son you would offer him the same assistance. He is obviously sick and needs to be put in a safe place (secure mental home)away from children not hurt or killed in a jail.

Imagine if it was your son, because G-d could have given you this challenge and still can. Wise up and take care of this the Torah way ensure he can harm no longer and stop bashing Rabbis and everyone who is trying to help the best way they can."
------------------------
does this mean you are paying for all the legal fees?
No matter what, at least you are willing to do something instead of feeding the gossip.

June 28, 2006 9:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hasham wants to know y'all, what is evil personified?

I'm not justifying his mental condition, but more than likely, he's not all there.

I don't even know the extent of his crimes, but to blame rabbis (you bet!) isn't realistic. He bears the blame if the charges are true.

And get a dictionary.

Hasham's watching.

June 28, 2006 9:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know I don't see Shmuel as evil.

I see the system that didn't work years ago as dangerous, especially when those with authority could have done something different, yet refused to. This is something that NEEDS to be changed TODAY!

The evil comes into play when denial is present and stronger then truth.

I also believe that when bureacracy interferes with doing the right thing can be considered evil. Protecting assets should never come first. Protecting innocent children from being sexually exploited should be our primary concern.

June 28, 2006 10:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To whmo ever is talking about financially supporing Shmuel's defense:

I also understand where you are coming from and also how easy it is to be taken in by Shmuel. There are many other individuals who are just like him. I keep thinking about the case of Rabbi Mordechai Gafni, who fooled so many people for so many years. If you haven't read about him please do.

http://www.theawarenesscenter.org/gafni_mordechai.html

I sort of think that Shmuel is sort of like a younger version of Gafni. Not exactly, yet similar enough for you to get the point.

It's ok to admit that you made a mistake too. No one will think less of you.

Shmuel does deserve a fair trial. You need to do what you feel is the right thing to do in your heart.

I just sort of think what Shmuel really needs is the best therapy money can buy. Not therapy by just anyone. He needs long term residential treatment with a facility that works with individuals with severe sex addictions and who have anti-social personality disorders.

It's going to be extremely expensive. Instead of paying for lawyers, why not pay for something that might actually help Shmuel in the long run?

June 28, 2006 10:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous wrote:
" I just sort of think what Shmuel really needs is the best therapy money can buy. Not therapy by just anyone. He needs long term residential treatment with a facility that works with individuals with severe sex addictions and who have anti-social personality disorders. It's going to be extremely expensive. Instead of paying for lawyers, why not pay for something that might actually help Shmuel in the long run?"

**Agreed, but long term care can only come if the legal system places him in a facility (prison)that supports or mandates therapy; therefore, you need to have the lawyers to get you to the right facility. Unfortunately, that's the way it works. No good lawyer-forget the treatment.

June 28, 2006 11:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

duh. Because if he's sentenced to life in maximum security, he gets less than zero. A waste.

I wonder. Would the alleged victims prefer to see him executed?

June 28, 2006 11:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I do not think that any more money will help get Shmuel into a good facility. The only thing the money might do is get Shmuel a slick attorney who can get him off. If that happens neither Shmuel nor society is any better off. Federal prison is different than state prison. In some respects federal prison is better. In my experience clerking for a federal judge I saw many criminals placed behind bars. Generally, at the sentencing the judge will honor requests to place the criminal in a prison that offers treatment programs for his/her addiction as long as there is a prison that offers such a program. The key is that the criminal-Shmuel- must ask for this at sentencing-assuming he is convicted (which he should be). Once the defendant makes a request to be placed in a prison offering the relevant treatment, the federal judge generally explains that he/she can only recommend that the defendant be placed in that facility, but that the recommendation is not mandatory. Generally, however, the federal system will honor the judge's recommendation.

Basically, the money for the defense can only help get Shmuel off. If he gets out he will likely do this again. We need to make sure he gets long-term help. I think the best way to accomplish this is to make sure Shmuel is convicted and serves a long sentence. Then someone should explain to Shmuel that if he seriously wants help he needs to request that he be sent to a prison that offers treatment for his illness regardless of where that prison is located.

June 29, 2006 12:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

duh. At that point, why does treatment matter? He'll be locked up 23/7 in maximum security, which is arguably better than most state or county jails.

Then the only issues are kosher food

and a daf yomi schedule.

June 29, 2006 9:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why does treatment matter?

There are several reasons, one is that someday he will be back out on the streets. No matter what age he is at the time thre is always the risk of him reoffending.

Another thing to think about is the fact that his treatment can be used in research. Remember that as of today there is no successful known treatment for offenders.

Some child sex offenders may go into a sort of remission, yet there is always a 52% possibility that they will revictimize another child.

Shmuel's treatment could be used to help others. So at least something he is doing could be helpful to others.

The rumors are that he is also a victim of child sex abuse (I can't refer to him as a survivor since he is also an offender). He needs the opportunity to deal with his own abuse history.

June 29, 2006 9:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rumors are rumors. Facts are facts. If he's tried as a hardened criminal, he will be away a long time.

Can anyone fairly characterize Shmuel as a hardened criminal? Those who lease out shopping centers and count clothing budgets can. I can't.

June 29, 2006 11:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Facts are Facts"

Here's some facts on The Awareness Center's web page
http://www.theawarenesscenter.org/offenders.html

If the rape is reported to police, there is a 50.8% chance that an arrest will be made.

If an arrest is made, there is an 80% chance of prosecution.

If there is a prosecution, there is a 58% chance of a felony conviction.

If there is a felony conviction, there is a 69% chance the convict will spend time in jail.

So, even in the 39% of attacks that are reported to police, there is only a 16.3% chance the rapist will end up in prison.

Factoring in unreported rapes, about 6% of rapists—1 out of 16— will ever spend a day in jail. 15 out of 16 will walk free. According to the US Department of Justice.

June 29, 2006 12:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Facts are facts:

He was arrested for going to have sex with little boys. Several teenagers have spoken to the FBI about Shmuel's acts of molestation against them-that is a FACT. Has every victim come forward? No, but some have. All of these acts are hard crimes. Would you characterize a black person who committed the same acts as Shmuel a hardened criminal? I am sure that you would. Shmuel is no different.

June 29, 2006 4:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pedophillia has no religion, race or socioeconomic boundaries or limitations.

It's really difficult for us all to wait for July 10th for the next court date. The reality is I would not be surprised if there's another continuance. This can go on for months. Be patient. In the mean time what are we doing to prevent another Shmuel Juravel from offending another?

I read on another part of this blog that there is a call for a Yeshiva Parent Association. Do you think this would help deter our rabbis from ignoring the problem?
http://www.jewishsurvivors.blogspot.com

June 29, 2006 4:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The problem is that the whole topic is icky, indelicate, politically correct to condemn, relatively rare to not warrant much major attention for most, normal people. Most people, other than those who have been abused, are uncomfortable with the topic, stigma, icky, ookie thoughts.

It's a problem.

Take a poll. Ask your friends what their reaction would be. No yeshiva/school etc. in the world would ever wish to condone the problem. Denial is a part of the problem. I cannot imagine my wife or any other group of wives feeling comfortable discussing abuse other than to say they can't handle it.

My son has had the experience of attempted seduction, enticement, and been bumped etc. He suffered no scarring, no lasting consequences, but bumping was as far as it went. He was supported by his Rosh Yeshiva who barred the molester from the premises. No pta action necesssary. Each insitution decides its own mode of problem solving. But, for pederasts who stalk children under the age of twelve, we are talking a cause and the creation of serious psychological problems, I'm afraid. And for that, the police are necessary.

June 29, 2006 5:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"the whole topic is icky"

The problem is that we are all adults. Our children are being sexually abused. Both you and your wife need to take your heads out of the sand and do the responsible thing.

If you are old enough to have sex with your wife, you are old enough to deal with the problem of children being abused by your friends and neighbors!

June 29, 2006 6:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This outporing of sympthy for this
juravel is wrong. This person is not a good or honest person. His stock brokers licience was taken away, he stole funds from the firm of which he worked, he betrayed the trust of the community,his wife,his inlaws,et.al and THEN
he molested our CHILDREN and other
peoples children. And wr're feeling sorry for this person.
This person knew exactly what he was doing in all cases. He's smart,but he's evil.To say he's sick so we must help him is like saying the Nazi's were sick and we should have helped them,. Lock him up and keep him in prison for years.

June 29, 2006 7:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I feel it is imperative that an attorney with knowledge of the federal courts help clarify some things for this blog.
Mr. Juravel is NOT going to "get off". That is a FACT. And it is most likely that he will be given a very stiff sentence. There are mandatory sentencing guidelines that the judge MUST follow.
Therefore, it is useless
for people to continue to debate back and forth about lawyers getting him out and being back in a community in just a few years. Of course, there is no way to know what actually will happen with the judge, but readers need to know that he IS going to be sentenced to prison. People must also understand that a court continuance happens every day in every kind of case; criminal or not.
This has nothing to do with Juravel; it's the American way. So get used to the legal system -or ask a lawyer if there are questions. It's better to be informed than continue to make assumptions.
Can any attorneys help or comment?

June 29, 2006 7:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The last poster is correct for the most part. It is likely that Juravel is going to prison. It is not likely that he will get off; however, other posters have mentioned the defense of ENTRAPMENT. Entrapment IS Juravel's only possible defense. Another poster discussed the likelihood that Juravel will be sent to a prison that offers counseling for his problem if there is a prison which offers such a program. That poster was correct regarding their summary of the judge's recommendation. Yes, the federal sentencing guidelines are mandatory, but that is only if the defendant is convicted. So, NO CONVICTION=NO MANDATORY SENTENCE.

June 30, 2006 8:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The transcripts of his internet negotiations will reveal whether or not the agents were smart enough to hint maybe he shouldn't do it. If so, what entrapment would there be?

Possession of child pornography is enough. But, as to treatment, if the patient doesn't really want treatment and is going to spend twenty five or more years in prison anyway, locked away in maximum security, kosher food and air conditioning will probably be of greater interest to him.

June 30, 2006 10:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What make you think that kosher food or for that matter his being Jewish has any meaning on this person juravel. His past transgressions all point out that his being "Jewish" was all a game to him anyway. He can violate our children but has to eat Kosher. (no pun intended). This person has no idea who he is or what he is other than a deceptive person, where the law, secular or jewish has no bearing on him. Keep him locked up,kosher food or not. It won't make a difference to him. Only make a difference to the people who think he should have kosher food for their own stability.

July 01, 2006 10:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was just reading the following old article about convicted sex offender, Rabbi Juda Mintz, who claims to have a sex addiction.

I keep thinking that so many sex offenders are manipulators, I was wondering if you thought he was manipulating the system or thought he is being sincere?

I'm concerned because he seems to be enjoying his time in prision, and his plans for after he is released is to be in a leadership role.



(10/03/2003)
‘There Are No Secrets’
Rabbi behind bars for child porn reflects on repentance on eve of Yom Kippur.
Debra Nussbaum Cohen - Staff Writer
New York Jewish Week
http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=8505


Rabbi Juda Mintz: “I am not above any law.”

Fort Dix, N.J. — Juda Mintz may look like an ordinary guy — middle aged, medium height, with a comb-over and thick glasses — yet there is something about the Modern Orthodox rabbi that makes him stand out among the 4,500 inmates at the Fort Dix Correctional Institution, a federal prison in southwestern New Jersey.

Under the glaring fluorescent lights of the large cinder-block walled prison visiting room, Rabbi Mintz walks calmly over to greet a visitor. He is dressed in the same beige work-shirt and pants that every inmate wears from the day he arrives until the day he is freed.

Amid the dozens of prisoners playing with their young children, sharing vending machine snacks with their wives and parents, canoodling with their girlfriends though there is no privacy in the rows of plastic chairs, there is something striking about Rabbi Mintz.

It’s his equanimity. Rabbi Mintz seems almost happy to be here.

“It sounds crazy, I know, but I am happy,” he says in a brief interview in the meeting room.

It’s a place he never imagined he would be.

Rabbi Mintz was arrested just before the High Holy Days four years ago and charged with viewing child pornography.

The computer in his office at New Jersey’s Mount Freedom Jewish Center was running slowly and a technician working on it found pornographic images, including eight involving children, stored on the hard drive. Congregational leaders alerted the FBI.

Rabbi Mintz, almost before he knew what had hit him, had lost his job, his marriage, his home and the career that he had begun decades before at Yeshivat Torah V’Daas in Brooklyn.

He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography, which carried a maximum prison sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine. The rabbi was given a prison term of a year and a day, with time reduced for good behavior. He expects to be released before Passover next spring after serving about 10 months.

In the meantime, Rabbi Mintz does much of what all the prisoners do. He sleeps on the bottom bunk in the room he shares with 11 men — a privilege granted him because of his age, 61. Showers and a television are shared with other rooms. He takes his turn mopping the floors, Rabbi Mintz writes in an interview conducted by mail.

Prison officials did not permit a visiting reporter to bring writing materials or a tape recorder into the reception room, so after the visit questions were mailed to Rabbi Mintz and he sent back hand-written responses.

Between standing on line in the mess hall and being in his room for the mandatory head counts at 4 p.m., 10 p.m., midnight and 5 a.m., Rabbi Mintz writes that he spends his days praying and studying, teaching and counseling.

He and the two dozen or so other observant Jewish inmates — there are another 25 Jews who are not observant — receive three certified kosher meals a day. His prison job, for which he gets paid $5.50 a month, is being an orderly in the Jewish chapel.

He sweeps, empties the trash and sets things up for worship services, which he also leads. The Jewish chapel has a Torah scroll, and a sukkah will soon be erected in the jail yard. Rabbi Mintz and his friends will eat their meals there, and bless the lulavs and etrogs for Sukkot.

“There is some type of Jewish learning going on here from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except for meals and the count,” the rabbi writes. “Interestingly, there’s the same type of friction between the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities here as there is on the other side of the fence.

“Ironically, this is the first time in 40 years, since I moved from Williamsburg [where he grew up] to Montreal at age 21, that I have lived in a shomer-Shabbat community.”

Before moving to Mount Freedom several years ago he lived in Atlanta, where he established an innovative congregation that brought together traditional/Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform Jews.

The Jewish community inside the Fort Dix walls is diverse, too. Among the prisoners in with Rabbi Mintz are chasidim — including a 27-year-old from New Square, N.Y., sentenced to 13 years for money laundering — Israelis, Russian Jews and some non-chasidic black-hat types, he says.

“I study daily with a chasidic chevruta [partner], we’re studying [the classic Torah text] ‘Duties of the Heart,’ ”writes Rabbi Mintz. He teaches two classes, one on the Ethics of the Fathers, and one on the weekly Torah portion, does one-on-one teaching and “informal counseling,” he writes. Most everyone, including guards, administrators and inmates, calls him rabbi, he says, though he’s never asked them to.

Each week he attends three 12-step meetings, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

“I am neither an alcoholic nor a drug addict,” he writes. “I am addicted to pornography, but the label of the addiction is far less important than recognizing addiction as a disease of chemical imbalance in the brain that manifests itself into compulsive behavior.” He also meets daily with one of the addicted inmates he mentors.

Being in prison has given Rabbi Mintz plenty of time to reflect on his crime.

“I must always realize that it is because of people like me, and tragically the millions of others in the world who view child pornography, that there is an industry that abuses the most innocent of all victims; these helpless children who are forced to participate in this most heinous of crimes,” he writes.

“If there weren’t people who sought and viewed these images, there would be no market for child pornography. I must do teshuva [repentance] for contributing to the destruction of young, innocent lives.

“I am comforted to feel the acceptance of my teshuva by G-d,” he writes, “and I am hopeful that my teshuva will be accepted by my victims and by my community.”

“The worst aspect of being in prison,” he writes, is realizing that no matter how much he repents, he will never move past “the stigma I will have the rest of my life. I’ll forever be ‘a felon.’ ”

Once released, Rabbi Mintz plans to return to the residential treatment program for Jews in Los Angeles — Beit T’shuva — where he lived and worked after his arrest, and before he was remanded to the prison.

He hopes to get a similar project off the ground in New York, and to develop a program on addiction for rabbis and rabbinical schools.

In the meantime, Rabbi Mintz is spending his days at Fort Dix relishing the time he has to spend on what he loves best.

“For the first time in my life I am able to take two to three hours each morning for my prayers,” he writes. “I am able to speak, praise, petition, meditate, study, sing, all in the context of my tefillot [prayers].

“For the vast majority of my life, even in adolescence, I was the giver, the teacher, the counselor, the provider. Being ‘discovered’ as a pornography addict and being turned in to the authorities was one of the most important turning points in my life.

“It is teaching me the importance of recognizing how much in need I am of receiving. Receiving consequences for my actions. I am not above any law, and most importantly, I’m now experiencing the loving intimacy I have with G-d. I live in His light; there are no secrets, no dark places.”

His Shabbats at Fort Dix are spent out in the yard, communing with his new friends, blessing and enjoying the challah rolls and grape juice provided by the prison, singing together as the day of rest wanes.

“I try to spend as much time as I can in the fresh country air,” Rabbi Mintz writes. “There may be barbed wire fences surrounding the prison, but it doesn’t block out the blue skies, bright sun, moon, stars, trees, and singing birds.”

Don’t you see the fences and barbed wire, a visitor asks?

“I can look out at the fence,” he said in the windowless, linoleum-floored visiting room, “or I can look up. I look up.” n

July 01, 2006 11:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope that this last post makes all feel better for "poor juravel".
Sounds like a country club.Shmuel will fit right in, except for his brown uniform although he will most likely con someone to custom fit them to him,you know, one favor deserves another. ByBy juravel.

July 01, 2006 7:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

But, he was only caught with a small amount of porn, no sting operations, no survivors going to the fbi, no interstate commerce, to perceived real children aged twelve. Maximum security isn't the same.

To assume a capable ba'al kore, active in communal life, has no core identity is a question. Lots of folks lie and cheat. There's only one Judge who really knows. Is that you?

July 01, 2006 10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trial has been continued to August 14, 2006... Attorney L. Robert Isaacson from Savannah GA has entered an appearance on behalf of Juravel... Comments on the significance of this development from those in Savannah who know or know of Mr. Isaacson would be appreciated.

July 01, 2006 10:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil Jacob when are you going to be reporting on Shmuel Juravel?

It's amazing that your new paper, "Baltimore Jewish News" is promoting YK. (BJN is for the orthodox community).

YK is the man who introduced Janie to Shmuel.

Phil, it's interesting that you and your paper are not concerned that you would promote YK at this time. You are more then aware of the situation and the allegations that are being made against him. You've spoken to more then one of Juravel's survivors who let you know about him.

Phil, you know that many in Baltimore believe that YK is also an abuser.

Phil, didn't you realize who YK was prior to you publishing his mugshot? Just look at page 21 of the June 30th edition of the Baltimore Jewish News. It's the middle photo.

Phil, you might want to write a story about how YK doesn't have money to help his mother, yet has plenty of money to be a financial supporter of the Weinberg Academy and several other organizations in Baltimore.

Think about it. He sounds a lot like his buddy Shmuel

July 01, 2006 10:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Check out YK and his new wife in the latest edition of Baltimore Jewish News! What a cute couple!

July 01, 2006 10:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is no atty. by the name of L. Robert Isaaacson listed in the Savannah Phone Book either the white pages or yellow pages under atty's.
Where did you get your information from ?

July 01, 2006 11:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the poster who wrote,"There is no atty. by the name of L. Robert Isaaacson listed in the Savannah Phone Book either the white pages or yellow pages under atty's." The atty is BOBBY Isaacson. He is a VERY well-respected person in our community who is very close with Shmuel. PLEASE do not turn this blog into an open forum to verbally bash,criticize and hurt Bobby or his family. He is doing what he believes is fair and HE has committed no crime here. DO not take the focus off what this blog is about.

July 02, 2006 9:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Robert Issacson is also known as Bobby Isaacson. He went to law school, has a law degree and practiced law at various points over the years. He would not be listed under Attorneys because he generally is not practicing. But, he is one of Shmuel's best friends in Savannah. He also went to visit him in prison and is the poster that wrote about he is being mistreated. No doubt he is also the one who wrote that he is paying for Shmuel's defense. Isaacson is a good guy, but he appears to be blinded by the light in this matter.

July 02, 2006 10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wrotew that there was no L.Robert Isaacson listed in the phone book. That's a fact.
I did not nor will I bash Bobby.
Why should I, He's a great guy BUT I agree with the other poster that perhaps he's blinded by the light in this matter defending this juravel character. Perhaps if he had a male child molested by juravel he would not be so defensive of this pervert.

July 02, 2006 3:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why isn't Shmuel Juravel entitled to the best defense money can buy? Shouldn't he have a "slick" lawyer?

Keep perspective. The constitution guarantees everyone equal treatment and no one is guilty until proven so.

If you'd expect that treatment for yourself or your family members, you have to expect it for Mr. Juravel no matter how heinous his deeds.

July 02, 2006 5:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if this juravel person is being mistreated as badly as he has mistreated the CHILDREN that be abused. I doubt it. Well,I guess,what comes around, goes around. Mistreated ?? !!

July 02, 2006 5:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if Bobby Isaacson,friend of juravel, would be defendiing juravel if juravel molested young girls, perhaps even one of his daughters, rather then young boys.
Would he be defending juravel..freind or no friend.
I find Bobby's position of defense sickening, especially since juravel went after young jewish boys known to Bobby. What defense
can be offered ?
Juyravel deserves harsh punishment for his perversions.

July 02, 2006 8:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's nice to see how Americans respect American law when it serves them, but the minute that the rights of the constitution are extended to those accused of the most heinous crime, all bets are off.

You guys are all a bunch of backwoods hypocrites and you make me sick.
Guardian of what you ask?
Guardian of truth, of objectivity, of rational thought.

If you would expect fair treatment, then so should Juravel.
And if indeed there is evidence that he is guilty, then he will be punished.
But you "backwoods cowboys" are ready to string him up by his "ya-yas" before trial.

Way to exemplify the sophistication of the South!

Well, I guess that's what happens in a community where everyone is called "Uncle" and "Aunt" and half of you are inbred.

I do hope that Juravel gets what is coming to him, but there is a system.

July 02, 2006 10:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't see how you can differentiate between young girls and young boys.

What difference does it make? Abuse is illegal, a terrible offense. I have both girls and boys. It doesn't matter to me.

I'm just sorry he wasn't given better help or a bigger scare sooner. Now, the damage is done and it's probably too late.

What's especially perverse about this sexual abuse is that he sought to molest children of a young age regardless of their gender.

You have your own issues to deal with if all you see is that he molested young boys.

July 02, 2006 11:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

what happened to the july 10 date why has the trial moved to aug 14 also what happened to the other lawyer that was representing him?

July 03, 2006 10:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wasn't aware that juravel molested young girls. There is nothing in any of the blogs that indicate this, just young boys. Certainly abuse is abuse no matter what gender.
I find it difficult to accept that juravel's defense atty. is a well respected person in the community, who has had several of the alleged victims of juravel over to his home as they are friends of his children. How can he justify defending this person when he molested or tried to molest these young boys.
What defense can be offered for juravel's actions ; cutting three $100.00 bills in half and sending them off to show good will to set up the meeting. What defense can be offered for juravel,flying to Atlanta,renting a car, driving to B'ham to meet his pray. What, that he was crazy , the devil made him do it. What defense for this person
who tried to take advantage of our children under the guise of being a rightess person,a good person.
What defense ? How can any atty,who knows all the parties involved, take sides in this matter. That's my only issue. juravel deserves to be represented fairly, but not by an atty who knows many of the children that juravel tried to molest or did molest. Why would he want to defend this person ? It's beyond me. Like a Jewish person trying to defend a Nazi , knowing what the Nazi did to the Jews. Sorry,it just doesn't make sense to me.

July 03, 2006 5:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know, the Birmingham case is only one case against juravel. Several people have come forward in Savannah regarding this person. Local charges will be filed and he will have to stand trial on these charges. Don't we all hope that he has proper legal assistance to insure he gets a fair trial !!!
And then after Savannah, there's Baltimore, where charges are being filed. Don't we all hope that he gets a fair trial !!! He will most likely have more of a chance then the kids that he molested.

July 03, 2006 8:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am the person who posted the comment about the postponement of the trial and about Mr. Isaacson. For an analysis of why the trial was postponed, see my post on thread # 7 re: the facts about 3/4 of the way down on that page...

July 03, 2006 10:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Until the facts are presented in a court of law - how, where, when, what America will not convict him on hearsay. Just not the American way !!!!

July 03, 2006 10:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm not defending his actions, just his right to a fair trial. I despise dishonest attorneys, but their defense for representing even the most reprehensible of clients is the protection of due process of law. Logic is on their side, even if you don't approve. If you are more than four years younger than he, your testimony will be important.

Are you more than four?

July 04, 2006 1:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let us not hide under the disguise of "due process of law'. If you know someone is outright guilty and you (the sleezy attorney) get him off on some small technicality, YOU ARE SCUM. The laws are supposedly made to protect the innocent not to try and get off the GUILTY!!! Evenmore that you know those that have been molested and you still try and defend him under the,like I said before, disguise of a fair trial. Make sure it is a FAIR TRIAL NOT A DISHONEST ONE!!!

July 04, 2006 11:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

make it a FAIR trial, not a dishonest one.

If the evidence is clear, there are no technicalities, but in every case where an umpire doesn't state your way, is everyone who disagrees with you also SCUM?

That SJ got caught is as much an act of Gd as his own fault. Providence is in the details. Everyone gets their due (including those who are highly judgemental of others).

July 04, 2006 7:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Question with reference to a post.
"If you are more then four years younger then he,your testomony will be important.
Are you more then four ?"
What does that mean ? Younger then who. Are you more then four ? What does that mean ? What is your point.

And of course, It was Hasham's doing reference to juravel. Everything is HIS work.

Juravel got caught in the birmingham incident,plain and simple. He was prepaired with all the stuff he had in his briefcase;
plain and simple. When he put a down payment of three , hundred doller bills cut in half and sent them off to insure the connection and show good faith, he got caught,plain and simple.

The other cases of abuse will all come out in Savannah, with real people coming forth exposing this person for what he is.

I still find it difficult to understand how he can be defended by a person who knows both juravel and the victims of juravel. I would think that the atty would withdraw himself and let someone else "defend" juravel. Would the atty, if one of his children were molested still defend juravel ? I don't know the answer to that.

July 04, 2006 9:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't think a parade is appropriate. Most survivors need to vent, but public displays draw unwanted attention.

An attorney's role is to protect the best interests of their client. They are able to comppartmentalize their thinking whether they know people or not. They only recuse themselves when hasham tells them to.

July 04, 2006 11:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a survivor.

I would love a parade. I think it's a great idea. I did absolutely NOTHING wrong. I was a victim of a violent crime. I would love for everyone in the world to honor me for surviving.

I need more then just a place to vent. This is more then just talking about what happened.

Who ever wrote about that is totally clueless. I'm not ashamed of who I am, or who I've become.

There was just something on the news about a boy who was attacked by a shark. He lost a leg. He's been very down with his experience. When he finally went back to school there was an assembly for him. The cheerleaders made up special routines just for him.

Wouldn't it be great if survivors of childhood sexual abuse had an assembly and everyone cheered them on too?

July 05, 2006 8:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mr. Isaacson is truly one of the nicest guys in Savannah-and the smartest. A graduate of Cornell and UGA Law schoool, he is being very helpful to Shmuel. Why? because no one else has the guts to! I truly admire Bob stepping forward and sticking by Shmuel's side. Shmuel is a very sick individual who, despite the degree of his misdeeds, need some ally, needs someone with some sympathy, needs an open-minded member of his faith as a shoulder to lean on. WAY TO GO BOB! YOU'RE A REAL MENSCH!

July 05, 2006 3:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have to agree.

There are some, in hasham's corner, who would like to see him fried.

This is not the Jewish way. SJ's alleged actions are also not the Jewish way. But, two wrongs don't make a right and both those who have suffered from abusers, as well as abusers who are mentally ill who also suffer, are deserving of compassion.

The Torah doesn't mention child abuse. Normal people don't imagine deviance, perversity. Those who do are not normal.

Captivity may be necessary for the protection of the public, but criminals are people too.

ask hasham.

July 05, 2006 6:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well I have to disagree with you. Because he has the guts to help juravel. Please.
Juravel is a con artist. His broker's license was taken away, he molested children, knew exactly what he was doing, stole money from his in laws, deceived his wife and family, knew exactly what he was doing and was a friend only to himself and his wants.
Defend this person, certainly. But for Bobby to defend him, when Bobby knows some of the young men and their families that juravel molested just seems a bit out of the ordinary. Again, would Bobby be so ready to defend juravel if one of his daughters had been molested by juravel. Whould juravel still be Bobby friend if the molestation hit closer to home ? Would Bobby defend him if he had stolen money from Bobby as he did from his in laws ?
Juravel deserves an atty., just not
an atty that knows all parties involved. I don't think that takes guts, I think it's sort of stupid.

And what if one of the victims or their families ask Bobby to take their case against juravel. Would Bobby take the case ?

July 05, 2006 7:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Would you feel the same way if one of your boys were a victim of Schmuel's ? Would you still consider him a MENSCH ?

July 05, 2006 8:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think everyone should be aware of the The Unorthodox Jew's web page. He's now doing a story about Ner Israel and Rabbi Moshe Eiseman.

How many years has Ner Israel been protecting him, and a long list of other alleged sex offenders?

http://theunorthodoxjew.blogspot.com/2006/07/ner-israel-rabbinical-college-of.html

July 05, 2006 11:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Juravel is just a symptom of a bigger problem. I just read what was on Unorthodox Jew blog.

I always heard the rumors, now the facts are out in the open.

How long until Rabbis Heinemann and Hopfer make a decree against reading blogs? I wonder why they think they are so dangerous to our neshema's?

G-d forbid their faithful following learn the truth!

July 05, 2006 11:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reference a few posts above:
"The Torah doesn't mention child abuse" and "This is not the Jewish way".

Considering it an unnatural and depraved activity, the Book of Leviticus (18:22) is very explicit on the subject of homosexuality:
Thou shalt not lie (cohabit) with a male as one lies with a women; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 20:13 repeats this characterization,adding, "The two of them shall be put to death."

Lucky for Schmuel that he is not being judged by Jewish Law. He would be put to death !

As the victims come forth in future
trials, you will see that some were above Bar Mitzva age,thereby considered "a man". Schmuel would have certainly been judged by "Jewish Law" and put to death.

And some want to defend his actions and garner sympathy for
him. Sympathy for him ? Not here !

July 06, 2006 5:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

After several months of confinement, I'd sure like to see a statement from Juravel, through his atty.offering some explination or better yet, apology to the Baltimore and Savannah communities for his actions; for the lives that he's ruined, the family he's destroyed, the betrayel to Hasham, or is this person above any apology what so ever ?

July 06, 2006 5:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't believe everything you hear. Isn't it sort of weird that their were all of these supposed misdeeds were committed by shmuel for all this time and ABSOLTELY NONE OF IT WAS REPORTED????? WHY DOES THIS COME ROARING THROUGH NOW????? YEARS AND YEARS THIS WAS GOING ON AND NOT A WORD UNTIL NOW????? I live in birmingham and have been following this case. I am in agreement with what was found via the evidence here. However, don't be too gullible towards what you hear spewing out of Savannah, Georgia. Additionally, what role did the head rabbi there play in all this? Your all-powerful head rabbi knew NOTHING ABOUT SHMUEL AND HIS PROBLEMS??? NOT ONE OF THE SUPPOSED ABUSED KIDS AND/OR THEIR FAMILIES EVER CONTACTED OR CONSULTED HIM?????

July 06, 2006 8:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mr. Juravel,

Since you are going to serve time anyway, please:

- admit that you have a problem
- feel sorry for what you did
- apologize for the harm that you caused
- report other "frum" Baltimore molesters to the authorities

Until this all happens, we can not begin to feel sorry for you.

- Baltimore Resident

July 06, 2006 8:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A great scholar cites biblical sources to impose capital punishment. To prosecute cohabitation with animals, Jewish law requires two witnesses warning in advance. Did Shmuel receive the warnings needed?

July 06, 2006 11:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Birmingham Resident Following this:

You said "Your all-powerful head rabbi knew NOTHING ABOUT SHMUEL AND HIS PROBLEMS??? NOT ONE OF THE SUPPOSED ABUSED KIDS AND/OR THEIR FAMILIES EVER CONTACTED OR CONSULTED HIM?????"

Everything you wrote in that ridiculous blurb is false. The Rabbi had heard some things about Shmuel, but he never knew that it was credible at the time. I do not fault the Rabbi because when this stuff first came forward nobody imagined this could occur.

Next, kids did say things about Shmuel over the years, that he fondled them during Bar Mitzvah lessons, etc. However, nobody paid much attention because nobody imagined this could happen. At least one parent did personally threaten Shmuel when his son mentioned what was going on, but that was the extent of it. Everything was pretty hushed up.

None of this is made up. My family contains one of Shmuel's victims. Do not insult the victims by discrediting them or their horrific experiences.

July 06, 2006 11:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This was not only made up now. The credit card debt that Shmuel left his family with was not discovered until after he went to jail. Only then did everyone see that Shmuel was paying for his lavish lifestyle by opening various credit cards in his father-in-law's name and using his business stamp of approval (which he had access to) to authorize them.

Shmuel's losing his stock broker's license is public record, not fiction. You can find it on the internet. Various postings throughout the blog have given the website where this info. is available.

July 06, 2006 11:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bob Issacson is a nice guy. He is obviously intelligent although I will not go so far as to say that Cornell undergrad and UGA law school means the guy is one of the smartest people around. Plenty of morons attended these same schools. Taking Shmuel's case certainly does not qualify him as a MENSCH, although Bob generally is one. I think the fact that he is taking Shmuel's case qualifies him as confused. Calling him a MENTSCH because he is defending his friend, a child molestor, is a little off.

July 06, 2006 11:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, but compared to the other members of the frum community, I would have to agree with the statement that Mr. Isaacson is one of the most well-educated individuals; Savannah's religious just has that reputation, even here in Atlanta. It's actually quite laughable! Shmuel is quite lucky to have his close association with Bob.

July 06, 2006 2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Every penny he spent bothers you. He embaresses you - and others. but every time you bring up that credit card debt, a perk rich kids take for granted, you sound petty.

Nobody liked his garish taste. Nobody needed so many suits. Nobody likes what he has done. But, if some yiddishe neshoma can also feel his pain, with such solid evidence, he won't escape society's retribution. A lawyer is entitled to defend the underdog, and that's what Shmuel becomes when his "family" harbors such resentment over money.

July 06, 2006 4:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Premeditate::
To think out, plan or scheme beforehand.
Premeditation: a degree of planning and forethought sufficient to show intent to commit the act.

How in the world can any one defend the actions of Schmuel Juravel ?
He cut three $100.00 bills in half, mailed them off to show good faith to secure childrens that he wanted to have sex with.

He purchased a plain ticket, then rented a vehicle to drive to B'ham to meet the children.

He told his family and employer that he was going on a business trip.

He packed his bag with all of his sexual paraphernalia to molest these kids.
And he got caught.

What kind of defense can be offered for his actions?
Don't tell me that "he's sick" or use that as a defense. Everyone that commits "a crime" is sick. Not normal to behave in that manner,so don't pray upon sympathy
to forgive him. He premetitated his crime, thinking that he could and would get away with it. That is his attitude in all of his undertakings. Stock fraud, embezzelment from his firm, molestation of children,total control and you can't catch me !
That's why he's in jail and not out on bond. He had a cavelar attitude as the FBI stated and would pose a flight risk, as he didn't care whose money he lost.

Defend him for what !To get him off and do it again. No way,I hope.

July 06, 2006 11:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

caveler, plain ticket, premetitate.

You've made your case.

Now, let the judge and grand jury decide.

July 07, 2006 12:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yes. shmuel is a sick individual. however, is it the habit of savannahians to ostracize anybody? Mr isaacson is a brave individual; please don't ostracize him and his family simply for showing a little sympathy and offering a helping hand.

July 07, 2006 1:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A question for Mr. Isaacson.

Do you intent to defend Schmuel on the charges that are forthcoming in Savannah ?

You will be confronting several of the youths (now young men)and their families that you have known for many years,that were victims of Schmuel's.

Or are you only representing him on the Federal charges in Birmingham?

Several of the families of the victims have consulted with local counsel to represent them in the future. Is it your ntention to defend Schmuel on a local basis.

Just interested.

July 07, 2006 8:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

An interesting question: when survivors press suits years after the event and the defendant has no assets, and is likely to be incarcerated for a long time, do they and their attorneys press claims for emotional vindication, closure, or in expectation of something else?

What?

July 07, 2006 10:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

whether in birmingham or Savannah, Mr. Isaacson will certainly defend shmuel. that is part of the definition of friendship: not turning your back on a friend in times of trouble( in case you didn't know)

July 07, 2006 11:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

don't worry. bobby and his family have too much money for the Savannah community to ostracize them. that's what the value system is all about around here, in case you haven't noticed.

July 07, 2006 12:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Would Mrs.Isaacson still defend Schmuel Juravel is one of his children had been molested by Juravel, or is that where "friendship" ends.
We would like to see the reply from Mr. Isaacson and not from his mouthpiece.
Several of the parents of the victims find it difficult to understand this "friendship" relationship especially what Mr. Isaacson is "friends" with some of the victims and their famlies.

July 07, 2006 1:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yoou write about juravel's crime as though it were a "white coller crime", i.e. fraud,embezzelment,or even robbery, instead of what the crime is, child molestation of children that he knew and took advantage of in and out of his local community. CHILD Molestation with children between 8 and 14 years of age. I certainly can understand Bobby's stance of freindship IF juravel's crime were
almost anything other than CHILD
Molestation. I can't think of a crime worse then that.
And as has been asked in this blog, would Bobby defend juravel if juravel molested his girls ?
Whould this strong friendship,hold up if that had been done.
Is it O.K. to molest other peoples children BUT stay away from my children, or I won't be your friend any more.

July 07, 2006 1:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ring
Hello
Collect call from blank,from prison,will you accept charges
Sure,he's my friend.
Blank,I'm in a little trouble.Need you help.
Sure,that's what friends are for.
I molested youngs children..
Oh,really..No problem,I'm your friend.....
But one was your child,after all,that's what friends are for..
Hello,Hello,are you still there.
BzzzzzzzzzzHello,Hello...But that's what friends are for...
are you still there
Hello BzzzzzzzzzzzBzzzzzzzzzz
Operator,I was cut off.No sir,they hung up..Gee,and I thought that's what friends are for...

July 07, 2006 3:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just got off the phone with an employee at the clerks office in US District Court in Birmingham, AL.

I wanted to confirm that there will be a jury trial in this case. The next court date is August 14, 2006. Shmuel Juravel remains in custody pending the trial.

Judge L. Scott Coogler
United States District Court
Hugo L. Black U. S. Courthouse
1729 Fifth Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

July 07, 2006 4:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is my first time reading anything on this website and i am stunned. stunnned that we here in savannah could be so cold and non- understanding of Bob's position- helping one friend while getting criticized, even dropped(?) by so many others. come on folks, be mature, not some adolescent clique here. Bob is a great guy and we should follow in his footsteps.

July 07, 2006 4:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A trial by his peers.

Had his peers been listened to years ago, I'd like to believe none of this would be happening now.

The parents of children who allege molestation have a right to feel hurt, angry, and betrayed. But, he's in prison now. Why should it bother you that he's represented by someone he knows? Someone you know. If you are confident in justice, in the rightness of the cause, in the evidence, you'd give this a rest and treat his attorney with respect. If you don't like attorneys in general, don't talk to them. They won't mind. The rest is is blather. bzzzzzzzzz

July 07, 2006 5:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Excuse me? Why should be so concerned about what people say about a defense attorney? They get paid pretty well to be hated. :-)

July 07, 2006 5:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This sunday is take a defense attorney to lunch day.

We should all honor and respect them for keeping sex offenders out of prison. oy, oy, oy!

July 07, 2006 5:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, I truly don't understand Bobby's position regarding defending Schmuel Juravel. I think Bobby is way off base on this one.
As other posters have asked,over and over again, whould Bobby be defending his good friend Schmeul if Schmuel had violated one of his daughters. I wouldn't think so.
Bobby can remain Schmuel's good friend without trying to get him off. This is not a white coller crime. Schmuel premeditated and went after children. Even the thought make me sick , and as a parent, I would think it would make Bobby sick, friend or no friend.

July 07, 2006 6:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with the poster who says that he can't agree with Bobby on this one.
How can one defend a child molester ?
I respect Bobby for the stance that he has taken ; I just don't agree with it.
Nothing personal just two difference views on the subject.
I do hope that Bobby "loses" whatever case or defense he's going to offer juravel and that juravel is incarcerated for a very long time. After all, juravel laft behind a life sentence for his family,victims,and the communities
wherever he was involved.

July 08, 2006 4:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

None of you have any right to say whether or not you agree with what Mr. Isaacson believes unless you have talked to him and asked him what he is doing in regards to Shmuel and why.
Why don't you ask him for an explanation like I have or have a mature conversation about it with him instead of assuming what is going on in his head and posting assumptions about what he is doing.
EVERYTIME YOU SPEAK LOSHON HARAH IT IS AS IF YOU HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. THERE ARE SO MANY INCONSISTENCIES AND MISTRUTHS ON THIS BLOG- HOW DARE YOU POST THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW FOR CERTAIN.

July 08, 2006 7:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Lashon Hara,
you are an idiot!

"EVERYTIME YOU SPEAK LOSHON HARAH IT IS AS IF YOU HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. THERE ARE SO MANY INCONSISTENCIES AND MISTRUTHS ON THIS BLOG- HOW DARE YOU POST THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW FOR CERTAIN."

Did you ever realized every time you let a sex offender go free you kill the souls of his new victims?

I think you should read "The Mitzvah of Speaking Lashon Hara" by Rabbi Mark Dratch.

http://jsafe.org/resources.htm

July 08, 2006 9:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't give a hoot if Bobby is a "friend" of Juravel's or not.
Juravel molested our children and was caught in Birmingham for trying
molest two children.
Bobby is also a "friend" of some the the alleged victims and their famlies in Savannah,yet he's going to defend Juravel. For what, to get him off, for a lighter sentence,whatever. This Juravel belongs in prison. How Bobby can continue to call Juravel a friend is beyond me. I'm with the other
poster that hopes Bobby loses whatever defense he could put forth for Juravel.I hope his client does not get off.

July 08, 2006 10:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dudes,
You just don't get it. Everyone deserves to have a good defense attorney, especially Shmuel.

What everyone is forgetting to ask is how much money is Shmuel's buddy making off of him?

Defense attorney's don't care about guilt or innocence. It's about how much money they can make.

This is a "sic" game for them. You know how many wins they can get and all.

July 08, 2006 10:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How many people (victims) of Juravel did he "kill". How many victims were taken advantage of by this controlling, Damanged for the rest of their lives.
Loshon Harah you say.
The facts of the Birmingham case have been put forth. Premeditated to have sex with under age children...HE GOT CAUGHT.
And Bobby is trying to defend him or his actions !? To do what, get him off, a lighter sentence or no sentence at all. This Juravel MOLESTED CHILDREN,in fact, some of the children Bobby knows including their famlies. As another blogger asked, whould Bobby defend Juravel if his own children were violated by Juravel,his friend ? I would hope not although you never know.

July 08, 2006 10:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why "especially Schmuel". What makes him different then anyone else. Especially Schmuel, a person that went after our children, deceived the community, stole from his in-laws,lied to his family,and G-D only knows just how many lives he's really ruined with his perverted actions. Why "especially
Schmeul"
Next someone will come up with the "defense fund for poor Juravel". Send your donations to...

July 08, 2006 10:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If anyone is going to send donations anywhere, I hope it's to The Awareness Center. I know they can use the funds.

I know they are looking for financial sponsors for their certification program for rabbis. It's way past time to educate our rabbis and community leaders in Baltimore, Savannah and all over the world.

The Awareness Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 65273
Baltimore, MD
21209

July 08, 2006 11:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen to that. I just wrote my donation check and it will be posted tomorrow.
No question the Rabbi's need to be made aware of what's going on and to insure they know how to handle the situation , although I truly doubt if you can "make aware" the rabbi's in the frum communities. They seem no to know or don't want to know what's going on. They "handle" the situation , which is to say, they look the other way,way away.

July 08, 2006 11:14 PM  

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