Harvard Hillel’s Orthodox rabbi, Ethan S.H. Fried, and his wife, Bella Fried, were placed on administrative leave Friday pending an investigation, a move that surprised many Orthodox Jewish students and leaves the organization without a designated Orthodox rabbi.
Harvard Hillel Leaders on Leave
The decision was announced less than four hours before the start of Shabbat in a Hillel WhatsApp chat for Orthodox students, without prior notice. Harvard Hillel leadership did not disclose the reason for the leave, which took effect immediately.
Jason B. Rubenstein, executive director of Harvard Hillel, confirmed both had been placed on leave and stated that law enforcement was not involved “at present,” but declined to comment further, citing personnel matters.
In an emailed statement, Rubenstein wrote that “Harvard Hillel is unwaveringly committed to supporting Orthodox students and Harvard’s Orthodox community.” He added that his top priority is to support students and arrange for Orthodox Rabbinic leadership in the coming semester.
Ethan and Bella Fried’s leave leaves Hillel’s Orthodox Jewish students without a designated rabbi, although other staff members – including an Orthodox female educator – remain available.
The couple was hired in August to fill a vacancy created when the previous Orthodox rabbi, Noah Marlowe, departed for another position. Ethan Fried served as a teacher, worship leader, and advisor, while Bella Fried advised students in a part-time role. They were employed by Hillel in separate roles.
Ethan and Bella Fried did not respond to requests for comment. According to two people familiar with the matter, Ethan Fried may pursue legal action against Hillel, though no lawsuit had been filed as of Monday morning.
Student Reaction and Concerns
Multiple students expressed surprise at the decision. Abraham N. “Abe” Kohl, Hillel social chair, said he was frustrated that students were not consulted in advance, questioning why they weren’t notified.
Rubenstein stated he was balancing several priorities, including staff continuity, transparency, student involvement, and coordinating staff transitions with the academic calendar. He added that Hillel would forgo some priorities only if faced with an urgent situation requiring immediate action.
In the weeks leading up to the decision, disagreements occurred between the Frieds and Hillel leadership. Three people familiar with the situation said Rubenstein reviewed and edited sermons delivered by Ethan Fried during Orthodox Shabbat services, including removing references related to Israel. Tension also existed regarding Bella Fried’s time commitment and compensation, according to a Hillel affiliate.
It remains unclear whether these issues directly prompted the decision to place both Frieds on leave. Rubenstein denied that the decision was related to Zionism when asked by a student in the group chat.
Several students said the Frieds were deeply involved in Orthodox student life. Kohl noted that Ethan Fried regularly provided spiritual and emotional guidance, and many students expressed positive sentiments about his presence on campus. Some students chose to observe Shabbat at Harvard Chabad instead.
Samuel Colchamiro, an undergraduate who regularly visits Hillel, said the Frieds played a significant role in shaping Orthodox life at Hillel.
Rubenstein emphasized his personal connection to the Orthodox community at Harvard, stating that Hillel’s Orthodox minyan was important to him as an undergraduate. He acknowledged student frustration and stated Hillel would work to ensure Orthodox students have access to rabbinic leadership, including prayer, gatherings, and study resources.
Sarah F. Silverman, Hillel Shabbat chair and a former Crimson News Editor, said she felt supported by Hillel staff both before and after the Frieds were placed on leave. She acknowledged the absence of an Orthodox rabbi was “not great,” but believed Hillel was working quickly to find support.
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