Presence

Shomrei Emunah (my synagouge) recently hired a new rabbi. Rabbi Dovid Gottleib, a graduate of the Kollel Elyon of Yeshiva University, took the reins as of the beginning of September.

A few highlights from the first Shabbos: R. Gottleib spoke about Shomrei's direction. Some have been critical of the shul, commenting that it lacks an identity, or seems schizophrenic, since it does not espouse a specific flavor of Orthodox Judaism. One of the things that, at least for me, has always made Shomrei a great place to go is the diversity. Pretty much every segment of Orthodox Judaism is represented significantly. R. Gottleib emphasized the need to cultivate this as a virtue, rather than look for ways to supress it. Despite the fact that we believe in one God, we also have a tradition that the Jewish people are divided into twelve (12) tribes, each with its own approach to the world. Far from a detriment, this is our greatest strength.

So far, R. Gottleib seems to have the breadth of character and depth of knowledge required to take on a job like Shomrei. I wish him the best of luck!