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