ByANTHONY G. ATTRINO/NJ.COM/TNS

JUNE 18, 2026 15:46

A rabbi serving Ocean County faces a lawsuit filed by a woman who says he sexually assaulted her after she sought his financial support and later defamed her via an online site plus flyers placed near her kids school.

Avraham Appel of Jackson is accused of exploiting his standing as a respected community figure to assault and take advantage of the woman an Israeli immigrant and single mother dealing with bill payments per the complaint lodged in Ocean County Superior Court.

Appel works as a well known rabbi and Rosh Kollel heading a Jewish center for advanced Talmudic study with bases in Lakewood and Jackson according to papers submitted January 5.

Appel gave no reply to messages left at his residence and mobile number requesting his response to the claims.

The woman says she told one of her childrens schoolteachers back in early 2020 about serious money troubles and difficulty covering daycare costs.

The teacher advised reaching out to Appel the suit notes.

Appel set up a meeting with the woman at a nearby Starbucks in February 2020.

During the discussion Appel cast himself as a rabbi mentor advisor and ally the woman could rely on and share with the lawsuit states.

Appel who has background in real estate reportedly proposed she pursue investments for him and draw advances against upcoming commissions.

Rabbi sends payments to woman after claimed sexual assault

In June and July 2022 Appel sent six payments totaling 20000 dollars listed as advances or loans and gave extra financial support for groceries medical costs and water bills the suit says.

The lawsuit states most funds aimed to secure her silence after he attacked her on June 1 2022.

The complaint alleges Appel came to her home while she was alone and sexually assaulted her even as she asked him to halt.

Appel acted harshly and persistent the more the woman sought mercy the harsher he grew the suit claims.

Prior to departing he reportedly told her to remove Ring camera video showing his arrival.

In following months Appel allegedly imposed himself on the woman and took sexual advantage on further occasions the suit states.

Appel also reportedly flooded her with requests for sexual acts and sent numerous text and WhatsApp messages with vulgar graphic sexual material.

One text said I want to squeeze your breasts another included a photo of his penis the suit alleges.

In July 2024 the woman spoke with another rabbi and presented proof of the assault plus other events tied to Appel the suit claims.

Woman offered 50000 dollars for therapy after sexual assault

Appel then reached his lawyer and together they offered the woman 50000 dollars toward future therapy costs.

The sum would come only if she signed a release covering any claims from the assault and pledged to keep all matters between them private the suit states.

The woman turned down the offer and refused to sign the suit says.

Appel next began efforts to harm the woman personally and professionally the lawsuit claims.

On December 15 2025 the woman learned of a website showing her photos that labeled her a danger to all Jews and urged people to avoid her the complaint says.

The site revealed her address accused her of stealing money and called her a thief.

Appel and possibly others also placed signs damaging the woman at spots around the area including her two childrens school the suit alleges.

The lawsuit lists claims of sexual assault invasion of privacy intentional infliction of emotional distress defamation and conspiracy.

The complaint further says Appel violated his duty as a rabbi to act with loyalty and good faith.