{
  "id": 17770275,
  "title": "Court orders fraudulent 'rabbi,' wife to pay NIS 830,000 to woman in exploitation settlement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/court-orders-fraudulent-rabbi-wife-to-pay-nis-830-000-to-woman-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T08:38:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-913525"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent ruling, a court in Petah Tikva has ordered Shaul Elkariv, often referred to as the \"criminals rabbi,\" and his spouse, Tova, to hand over NIS 830,000 to Nechama Gabai, a woman who accused them of exploiting her financially. This settlement brings an end to a unique lawsuit that alleged a prolonged pattern of exploitation, intimidation, and financial control over Gabai, who was a mother of three and facing personal financial difficulties.\n\nAccording to the lawsuit, filed by Dov Weinroth and Osher Rubinger, Gabai sought the assistance of Elkariv in 2021, after he was introduced to her as a rabbi, a kabbalist, and a spiritual figure who could provide help. As their relationship deepened, Gabai claimed Elkariv became a pivotal figure in her life, and she began to rely on his guidance on personal, family, and financial matters.\n\nThe lawsuit alleged that Elkariv took advantage of Gabai's trust and dependence on him, convincing her to transfer significant sums of money to him and his wife. Between February and March 2022, Gabai transferred a total of NIS 745,467, primarily from the proceeds of selling her apartment, which resulted from her divorce, and some government benefits she received for herself and her children.\n\nWhat made the transfers particularly suspicious was the method used. Gabai testified that Elkariv accompanied her to the bank, instructed her on what to do, and on some occasions even introduced himself to bank staff as her father. When she expressed reservations about the transfers, he allegedly reassured her, claiming he had spoken with her divorce lawyer, who supposedly approved the transfers.\n\nThe money was transferred in multiple stages, some to a joint bank account held by Elkariv and Tova, some directly to Tova's personal account, and some in cash. The lawsuit stated that Gabai kept these transfers concealed from her family for years, until her relatives discovered the situation in late 2025, when she was experiencing financial hardship and reached out for support.\n\nThe lawsuit alleged that Gabai was hesitant to ask for the money back, partly due to fear that Elkariv might harm her family if they interfered. Testimonies from Gabai and her brother, as well as conversations between her family members and Elkariv, were part of the lawsuit. Gabai alleged that Elkariv admitted to receiving the money, promised to repay it, and even suggested taking out a loan to settle the debt. Despite these promises, the funds had not been returned by the time the lawsuit was filed.\n\nMoreover, the lawsuit referenced an earlier defamation case filed by Elkariv against Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and others, which was dismissed by the Tel Aviv District Court in July 2024. This case examined testimony and publications about Elkariv's self-presentation and allegations that he exploited women in distress. This case is separate from Gabai's lawsuit.\n\nGabai sought to recover NIS 745,467, including interest and adjustments for inflation, which would amount to approximately NIS 970,000, along with NIS 200,000 in additional damages for the alleged harm and the severity of Elkariv's actions. At her request, the court placed assets on hold during the proceedings to secure her claim. Ultimately, the parties reached a settlement, with Elkariv and his wife agreeing to pay Gabai NIS 830,000.",
  "summary": "The lawsuit alleged that Elkariv exploited the distress of a mother of three, who transferred more than NIS 745,000 to the couple. A Petah Tikva court gave the settlement the force of a ruling.",
  "key_points": [
    "Petah Tikva court orders Shaul Elkariv and Tova to pay NIS 830,000",
    "Nechama Gabai alleges financial exploitation by fraudulent rabbi",
    "Settlement resolves lawsuit over years of alleged financial abuse"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The court settlement penalizes the misuse of spiritual authority to manipulate vulnerable individuals, establishing a legal remedy for those subjected to prolonged financial control and intimidation by religious figures.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}