On thinking about whether I would agree to become Rabbi Emeritus of FRS, Hannah Jacobs who was then co-Senior Warden discussed with me in 1999/2000 what this would mean in terms of Ritual and Life events such as funerals or a shiva. We both asked ourselves and each other, ‘What does it mean?’ Hannah replied, ‘We’ll find out as time goes on’
In advance of Miriam joining me as Rabbi Emerita, our Chair, Jenny Nuni, asked if I could write something to give some idea of the role. I’ve adapted this piece from what I wrote for Jenny as it may be of some general interest.
In 1999, I researched American experience about the involvement of retiring rabbis. There was little, though what sticks in my mind was that the senior, retired rabbi should not expect to sit on the Bimah unless specifically invited by the current Rabbi.
That hinted at what was considered to be the proper relationship of the Emeritus to the current leadership: always behind the scenes, to be called upon if required and only on very rare occasions, if ever, to intervene.
During the ‘interregnum’ (after I left and before there was an appointment), I was flummoxed in that I had no role, except for occasional conversations and was deeply upset as I witnessed the distress of the community and of the rabbis who were involved.
This changed entirely with Miriam’s appointment. Her ability and growing confidence - and I often mentioned to her when I particularly appreciated something - her capability and clear vision did not need anything from me. In the early days I was often asked if I wanted to take part in some way or other but increasingly refused though I do still enjoy being able to speak or read, for example at the High Holydays, if I do not think it will be too much for me.
I have learnt much through Miriam and the community’s initiatives to meet the needs of changing times and demands - Shavuot with its Ice Cream van and its climbing wall, for example, the fun of Purim (a festival I always found impossible) and many others. Some things I have, of course, found hard, like ‘letting go’ of the Ten Commandments! Admittedly they are not the whole of Judaism but they are pretty important guidelines or principles. Our youngsters need to know them.
Oddly, while we were in the old building I did find it quite difficult to be Rabbi Emeritus in that there were more than thirty years of memories for me and it was difficult to detach myself from that past.
Therefore it has been quite astonishing to discover the complete change that took place as we inhabited the new building. I have felt freer, able to take a lead with the film and to help with the group led by Sylvia Lewin on issues about death, dying and assisted dying. I spend much more time in the building now - which is not only, surely, because it is so splendid but because I feel freer again to contribute to the community.
It was only a few years ago, also, that I realised what a tremendous privilege it is to be Rabbi Emeritus of FRS: what a community with which to be associated.
There is one further, factor, however, which it would be disingenuous not to mention: money! Being a rabbi was not a particularly well-paid profession or vocation, and we could not have managed had it not been for the help of my parents. However, FRS has been truly generous in allowing Bracha and myself honorary memberships and we’ve recently discovered that JJBS will cover our burials in due course!
However, we must not only consider Rabbi Emeritus of course from the perspective of the Rabbi but also from that of the community. Here, perhaps, Rabbi Emeritus (or Emerita) plays a different role, providing a sense of stability and continuity and especially preserver of values - though it is up to the current clergy and leadership to ensure that those institutional values and especially the principles of progressive Judaism and the particular community are reinterpreted for the present.
Now that I am considerably older, too, I am looked on in a different way. Further, Bracha and I are most grateful for the kindness and consideration with which we feel ourselves to be continually treated.
Finally, so what does this Rabbi Emeritus do? Firstly, growing age inevitably brings illness and death eventually one’s own, but on the way, relatives and friends. I realise this is not an obstacle to my ‘getting on with my work’ (which in Hebrew is avodah: service) but perhaps the principal task set before me.
Secondly, I’m spending many hours these days, working on projects associated with Israel, Palestine and the Palestinians. I hope at some point I may be able to share this with FRS.
Finally - there’s the film: the amazing first instalment of which will be shown on Sept 8th. Do come!
