Prosecutors in the case of SCHI founder Rabbi Osher Eisemann have filed a letter in lieu of a brief this week, effectively concluding the appeal brief process. The 11-page letter pressed for Rabbi Eisemann’s sentence of probation to be overturned and that a 12-year prison term be mandated, R”l.

Defense attorneys have expressed that they are very optimistic that the Appellate Court will recognize the innocence of Rabbi Eisemann and toss the two remaining convictions.

Oral arguments are not automatic in the Appellate Division, and often cases are decided based on the briefs alone. However, in the vast majority of cases, if lawyers request oral arguments, the request is granted. Oral arguments, when granted, are generally limited to no more than a half hour for each side. Regardless of the decision of the Appellate Division, either side can decide to bring the case to the state’s supreme court.

However, Askonim say the primary impediment in the case at this point is the staggering ever-mounting legal bill. A recently launched campaign has brought in an influx of donations, though organizers share that the amount needed is still far away. They implore anyone who can help to donate again to this worthy cause, so that the financial weight of this trial can be alleviated off this great tzadik.

The Mirrer rosh yeshiva, Rav Elya Brudny, recorded a strong message of support for Rabbi Eisemann, and lead defense attorney Lee Vartan spoke about the importance of the support they’ve received from the community. Those messages can be viewed at http://pidyonshvuyim.com.

An audio hotline has also been set up, where callers can listen to audio updates about the case – inlcuding a newly recorded message from a Rosh Hayeshiva. The number for the hotline is 732.363.1011.

Donations can be called in, 24 hours a day, to 732.813.1212. Online donations can be made at pidyonshvuyim.com. Checks payable to CZR can be mailed to 307 Dewey Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701.