Delray Beach Jewish Center Sues Chabad Over Floor Refinishing

Dispute over property damage and repair costs leads to legal battle between synagogue and school.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:22pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and scuffed hardwood floor tile, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the property damage at the heart of the legal conflict.A damaged floor tile at the center of a legal dispute between a synagogue and a Chabad school over property repairs.Delray Beach Today

A Delray Beach Jewish congregation has filed suit against a Chabad school it once welcomed onto its property, setting off a legal battle that includes allegations of coercion, locked-out children, and a disputed $40,000 floor refinishing bill. The plaintiff, Oriole Jewish Center of Delray Beach Anshei Shalom, claims the school, Cheder Chabad, Inc., owes roughly $41,800 in damages stemming from an arrangement that allowed the Chabad school to use space at the synagogue's campus. Cheder Chabad denies the allegations and is countersuing for over $100,000, claiming the synagogue's attitude turned hostile after leadership changes and that documents acknowledging damage were signed under duress.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when religious institutions share property and resources, especially when there are changes in leadership or disagreements over financial responsibilities. The legal battle also raises questions about the rights of landlords and tenants in such situations.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Oriole Jewish Center claims Cheder Chabad damaged the property and then refused to pay the nearly $40,200 in contractor-estimated repair costs. Cheder Chabad, however, says the synagogue's staff became rude to teachers and children, and armed guards were posted to block access to the building after leadership changes in late 2024. The school claims documents acknowledging damage and agreeing to pay were signed only under duress, with children stranded outside, staff in tears, and access to bathrooms and furniture cut off until signatures were provided.

  • The dispute began in late 2024 after key leadership changes at the Oriole Jewish Center.
  • Cheder Chabad is accused of damaging the property sometime prior to the lawsuit being filed in April 2026.

The players

Oriole Jewish Center of Delray Beach Anshei Shalom

A Delray Beach Jewish congregation that allowed Cheder Chabad to use space on its campus.

Cheder Chabad, Inc.

A Chabad school that was allowed to use space at the Oriole Jewish Center's campus, but is now being sued by the synagogue over alleged property damage.

Scott Alan Orth

The attorney representing Cheder Chabad in the lawsuit.

Joshua Gerstin

The attorney representing Oriole Jewish Center in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Documents acknowledging damage and agreeing to pay were signed only under duress — with children stranded outside, staff in tears, and access to bathrooms and furniture cut off until signatures were provided.”

— Cheder Chabad, Defendant

What’s next

The judge will need to determine whether the documents signed by Cheder Chabad were indeed signed under duress, and rule on the validity of the claims and counterclaims made by both parties.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of clear agreements and communication when religious institutions share property, as well as the potential legal consequences when disputes arise over financial responsibilities and access to shared spaces.