2 N.J. schools say ex-teacher had sexual contact with students

Two Jewish schools in New Jersey have contacted police about a former teacher that they say had “inappropriate sexual contact” with students.

The Torah Academy of Bergen County in Teaneck and the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth sent letters to parents saying that they had been informed recently of the incidents. The teacher, who is female, allegedly initiated the sexual contact last year.

After being informed of the accusations by the schools, local law enforcement launched investigations, according to news reports.

The Torah Academy wrote in its letter that the school found out about the allegations through a student who confided in another teacher about the incident. In a similar letter, the Jewish Educational Center said an alumnus called the school on Dec. 1 with the allegations.

“TABC has a zero tolerance for this type of behavior by adults,” read the letter sent by Rabbi Yosef Adler of the Torah Academy. “Our priorities are the welfare and safety of our students and the community at large.”