Edison, NJ – Township police chaplain Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg, who was terminated from the paid position Thursday, said he plans to hold a demonstration outside town hall to protest his termination if he doesn’t hear back from township officials.

“Right now, I’m waiting for a counter-offer from the mayor,” he said.

Rosenberg, who has served as township public-safety chaplain since 1992, was terminated from his $3,800 per year position Thursday – which Rosenberg said Friday does not include a pension – because his appointment reportedly did not meet legal requirements. Township officials said state law requires such an appointment be done through an ordinance, but Rosenberg was appointed through a resolution.

“I supported the mayor in her election … What kind of thank you is this?” Rosenberg said Friday.

Chaplains in neighboring towns including New Brunswick, Metuchen and East Brunswick work on a volunteer basis and do not receive an annual stipend.

“You cannot compare what I do to what they do,” Rosenberg said. “I’m not being paid to be chaplain but for my expertise in sensitivity training, interfaith work and in dealing with people of all countries. The township is getting a bargain with me.”

Mayor Antonia Ricigliano has initiated drafting of an ordinance to establish chaplain positions – which will include clergy members serving as unpaid volunteers.

Rosenberg had said earlier that he would not agree to serve in the position for free. He is, however, willing to work without pay or even at reduced pay until the township can afford to pay him, he said Friday.

Also, he had earlier said that if the mayor was going to appoint more than one chaplain he was not interested in the position. But he said Friday, “If the mayor appoints more than one that’s fine as long as I am the senior chaplain considering my tenure.”

Rosenberg is rabbi of Congregation Beth-El in Edison.

(Source: MyCentralJersey)