This past weekend, I was installed as the new rabbi of Temple Isaiah of Stony Brook, New York.
It was not just a wonderful celebration for me, my friends and family from out of town, but for my entire synagogue community.
The congregants and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that the weekend would be one of joy, celebration and community-building. They know I am a “type-A” personality but didn’t want me to worry about all the details and planning of the celebrations, so they made sure that everything was perfect – and it was!
Conventional wisdom tells us that the relationship between a rabbi and congregation will only succeed in how well the congregation says “good-by” to their outgoing rabbi and in how well they welcome their new rabbi. I feel very welcomed indeed!
My thoughts and feelings are reflected in my Installation Address:
We Build Sacred Community Together When Each of Us Shares Our Unique Gifts
Your installation weekend was one of the truly incredible special weekends in the history of Temple Isaiah. The warmth and good feelings engendered by the celebration, the participation of all aspects of your temple and personal life, and the comments you made during your address point toward a future filled with hope and prosperity for the congregation. I look forward to working with you to expand and further develop our sacred community in Stony Brook
Dear Steve, thank you for your most beautiful, thoughtful and kind words! The feeling is mutual!
You are and always will be an amazing person. Your siblings and nieces and nephews must be real proud of you. I am real happy that you are doing a great job. Remember Rochelle? Well her Jr. Rabbi, Rabbi Noah has been promoted to the Sr. Rabbi of her Temple in Wisconsin. Keep up the good work.
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