Three years ago today, I was ordained as a rabbi.

Now, in just over a month, my first position as an ordained rabbi is coming to an end. In the next few weeks I will attempt to capture in words the depth of gratitude I feel for The Community Synagogue, whom I’ve been privileged to serve these recent years. But for now, I want to share some of the lessons I’m taking away from these initial years of my rabbinate, some of the things I would tell myself three years ago:

1. Shabbat comes back again next week.
2. When someone asks for something unusual, a good question to ponder before responding is: What would it take for me to get to “yes”? You may not actually say yes, but at least you will have clarified what is really at stake.
3. Supportive partners, both professional and personal, are everything.
4. Unetaneh Tokef takes on a new meaning when you look out on your congregation and know who has died (and often by what cause) in the past year. Also when there’s a global pandemic.
5. Most people are willing to try something new most of the time, as long as they like the person extending the invitation.
6. Always start with attentive listening.
7. Someone is always being left out. Look out for them, in specific contexts and in general.
8. When you move from Ohio to New York, you have to get used to interrupting people if you ever want to participate in a conversation.
9. Working in a synagogue is a lot like working at camp: The work you do really matters, and it’s also wise not to take yourself too seriously.
10. You never really know the impact you’re having on others. Sometimes they tell you. That’s really nice.

I also want to wish a big mazal tov to the rabbinic and cantorial classes of 2020. I hope you get to take your in-person group pictures sometime soon, and I wish you much joy and fulfillment in your new roles.