blogs/tcs

As a Rabbi, there are a number of difficult and challenging tasks that come with an otherwise wonderful job - none more so, however, than the task of having to say goodbye to a beloved community that has become our family.

The nature of the Associate Rabbi position is that it is often a temporary one, usually an opportunity to gain experience, new skills, and knowledge before moving to a synagogue of one's own. When I came to Port Washington almost six years ago, I imagined that we would be here for the duration of that first contract and then, like many of my colleagues, I would search for a new community in which I could serve as Senior Rabbi. But we fell in love with the synagogue and with all of you, and we decided to stay through another contract. 

This community is and will always be in our hearts, but the time has come on our journey to take the next step in my career. I am honored and excited to have been selected as the new Senior Rabbi of Shir Tikva in Wayland, MA. I am truly grateful to The Community Synagogue which has enabled me to grow and develop and to be ready to take this next step. 

Micol and I want you all to know how much you mean to our family. You welcomed us with open arms when we first came here. With no knowledge of the area, you acted as our guides. With no personal connections, you offered us your support and your friendship. As our family grew you embraced our children as you embraced us, you loved them and helped raise them. You became our family. And we are forever indebted to you. 

I am ever so grateful to have worked with colleagues who have become dear friends, and I am honored to have been part of such a talented, passionate and supportive clergy team, with friends who have taught me, challenged me, and become my family.

Thankfully we are not leaving immediately, and I will not be assuming my new position until the beginning of July, which means there will be many opportunities to say lehitraot. The beauty of this Hebrew word for 'goodbye' is that it literally means 'I will be seeing you.' And so we will not say goodbye, because we know we will be seeing you again.

B'ahava, with love, 

Danny