Throggs Neck’s Janet Pizzo claimed in a $15 million suit that during a seven-year affair with Manhattan Rabbi Joel Goor, of the Metropolitan Synagogue of New York, the couple signed a cohabitation agreement stipulating that she would get liposuction, further her education, and continue working for the rabbi.
Pizzo claims that the deal stipulated she would get ownership of half of his house and at least $125,000 if the relationship ended, which it did in 2006, after Pizzo suspected Goor, who was twice married, of seeing another woman, resulting in their breakup
Pizzo was shocked to learn, after her 7-year affair abruptly ended, that her name was never added to the home’s title. She claims to have received no money.
According to published reports, Goor was still married when he signed the bizarre agreement, although his wife never knew of the affair.
A state appeals panel dismissed the lawsuit, saying the contract could not be enforced because it was facilitating adultery, noting recurring romps the couple had in the rabbi’s office at the synagogue. The State Supreme Court had already dismissed the case.
Pizzo’s attorney, Rosemarie Arnold, said that the contract is not directly related to adultery.
“The contract has to do with her job at his synagogue, looking presentable for his constituents and getting into the Jewish faith, which has noting to do with adultery,” Arnold stated. “She provided cleaning services, laundry services, and decorated his house.”
Arnold also said Pizzo put a down payment on the house the couple shared in Throggs Neck, found the house when it was for sale, and made mortgage payments. Arnold said Pizzo even helped Goor write some of his sermons.
“There was an affair, but this contract is not based solely on adultery,” Arnold further clarified.
Arnold confirmed she has further plans for the case, but did not discuss any details.
Pizzo, who worked at Goor’s synagogue sporadically over a seven-year period, also claimed that the rabbi verbally abused her, tantalized her, and threatened to stroll naked in front of her 17-year-old daughter.
Other claims falling under the suit’s umbrella included creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and constructive eviction.
When the suit first began, Pizzo was oddly enough still residing in the house she and Goor shared as a couple. Arnold said it was because she had no place else to go.
Goor’s attorney, Barry Berger, declined comment on the case.
Pizzo, who formerly worked at the Bronx Penny Pincher, did not return phone calls placed to her voicemail.
