DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — 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. It all stems from alleged damage to the property by the school.
Oriole Jewish Center of Delray Beach Anshei Shalom says 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 West Atlantic Avenue campus. The plaintiff claims the school damaged the center — then refused to pay the nearly $40,200 in contractor-estimated repair costs.
Cheder Chabad says that’s not true. In its answer and counterclaim, the school says Oriole’s attitude turned hostile after key leadership changes late in 2024, with staff allegedly being rude to teachers and children, and armed guards posted to block access to the building. 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. Cheder Chabad itself is countersuing for more than $100,000, alleging illegal self-help by a landlord, conversion of personal property, and intentional interference with its business relationships, including lost enrollment and donations.
Cheder Chabad is represented by Scott Alan Orth of Hollywood; Oriole is represented by Joshua Gerstin of Boca Raton-based Gerstin & Associates.
