Squirrel Hill synagogue settles harassment case with ex-leader

PITTSBURGH, PA. OCTOBER 30, 2014: Leaders with a Squirrel Hill synagogue this week reached a settlement with a former executive director who claimed she was sexually harassed and paid less than male predecessors.

Sandee Bloom, 52, of Monroeville in September 2013 sued Congregation Beth Shalom in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, saying the synagogue's administrative team and board created a hostile work environment because of her gender.

Bloom claimed she repeatedly fended off sexual advances and earned $73,000 a year — less than three men who held the position before her and earned as much as $121,000. The lawsuit was moved to federal court.

“The matter has been settled to the parties' mutual satisfaction,” said Bloom's lawyer, Christian Bagin.

Terms are confidential, Bagin said. The case will officially end when documents are filed with the court this week, he said.

Neither synagogue officials nor their lawyer could be reached.

Bloom worked at Congregation Beth Shalom for 10 years and served as its first female executive director from June to October 2010, when she resigned at the request of board members.

Jason Cato is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7936 or jcato@tribweb.com.