But neighbors want them to stop.
The irritated residents say they want no more daily religious services conducted in the cream-and-champagne-colored home in the 6200 block of Madras Circle in the Indian Wells subdivision.
Home used for Worship draws Neighbors’ Gripes
West Boynton — Dozens of Jewish congregants observing the Sabbath and worshipping daily gather in a two-story home less than a half-mile from the mammoth Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Boynton synagogue.
But neighbors want them to stop.
The irritated residents say they want no more daily religious services conducted in the cream-and-champagne-colored home in the 6200 block of Madras Circle in the Indian Wells subdivision.
“We all worship,” said resident Rosanna Tomsetti, “I guess they’re taking house [of worship] literally — any house as opposed to a set place of worship.”
According to Palm Beach County property appraiser’s records, Marvin Parsoff purchased the 2,084-square-foot house in June.
Palm Beach County code compliance officers notified the homeowner that the services are in violation of the county code. They have been investigating since Sept. 28, 2006, after the first complaint was filed.
“This is zoned residential, single-family,” said Terry Verner, director of the county’s Code Enforcement Division.
Verner said the homeowner would need a conditional-use approval to operate a synagogue in the residence. A special master will rule whether services can be conducted in the home at a March 7 hearing, he said.
Parsoff could not be reached for comment Friday despite a call and visit to the home. No one could be reached at a nearby home owned by someone identified in property records as Carole Parsoff, despite a phone message left at that number.
On Saturday, about a dozen worshipers declined to comment. Some said Marvin Parsoff was out of town. One woman who didn’t give her name said, “This is a synagogue.”
On Jan. 17, Marvin Parsoff was issued a building permit to remove the Indian Wells home’s screen porch and add a $20,000 “family room,” according to county records.
Neighbors fear the expansion will allow more worshippers, bigger services and more traffic overwhelming the residential Madras Circle.
“When they leave, it’s a steady stream,” said neighbor Frank Cuomo. His wife, Ursula Marshall-Cuomo, has documented worshipers leaving on a recent Saturday and tallied 70 congregants.
“We are against any religious services. It’s not that we’re against a religion,” Cuomo said.
Neighbors say the worshipers are quiet and respectful and are said to be a group separating from the Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Boynton synagogue.
Rabbi Sholom Ciment, of the Chabad Lubavitch temple, declined to comment Friday on any division.
Christa Harding, who lives across the street, said she would be willing to move to Jupiter, where her husband’s drywall and metal framing business is, if the flow of people doesn’t stop.
“It’s just too much for me, it’s very disrespectful,” she said.
Zoe Strickman
I’m totally horrified when goyishe community members start opposing Jewish activities.
The shluchim are doing so well doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, and these neighbors are standing in their way just because they are anti-semetic.
I can understand if their parking spaces are being taken up or if there is too much noise, but a person should be allowed to do whatever he wants in his home as long as he’s not disturbing his neighbors. –**I say neighbors, not NOSEY NEIGHBORS.**–
Avremele melamed
OY VEY!! This isn’t the work of the shluchim! This is group of orthodox baalei battim who have decided they wanted a shul that was more in line with the way they daven and decided to daven together in a house.
The shmuah is that the shluchim (who should be seeking shalom and assisting these fine frum yidden) are opposed to this shul.
If this is true, then it is a shandah!
Why aren’t the shlichim helping them?
Everyone should be free to daven where they choose!