Dear Juda,
As I am now preparing to leave this institution, before doing so I want to share some of my feelings with you regarding our relationship.
Although I have only known you for a relatively short period of time, you have made a profound impression on me and I am most grateful for having had the opportunity to make your acquaintance.
I'm certain that you have amassed an impressive list of achievements and have had a positive influence on the religious lives if many people throughout your many years as a pulpit rabbi. You are a very warm, candid and sincere person to whom people can easily relate and in whom people can easily trust. Unfortunately, I have no personal experience or knowledge of your pulpit achievements; I can only imagine how effective you were.
However, from what I've observed and learned about you in our brief period of acquaintance, I know that you are an exceptional individual. I consider it a personal honor to be able to say that I know you and consider you to be amongst my good friends. You have demonstrated some unique attributes that clearly differentiate you positively from others.
One of the things that impressed me most about you was your ability to communicate effectively with many diverse elements. You were not deterred by any pre-existing strife and managed to relate well with all elements. In an environment in which many people exhibit zeal and fanaticism, you stood out as the one who would tolerate all views and still maintain your sound religious convictions. At the time we first met, I myself had taken a firm position in this polarized community. However, soon thereafter, I realized the importance of tolerance and moderation. Your interpersonal skills are truly extraordinary!
I've also been most impressed with your leadership ability. Although you are not the dynamic politician who will stand on a soap box and rally people to a cause, you are very effective in getting things done and introducing innovative ideas. It's interesting to note that all diverse elements within the community have recognized and accepted your leadership. You've enriched our religious services with the introduction of more singing. More significantly, you've introduced a regular class (Ethics of the Fathers-Pirke Avot) which has been gaining an increasing following every week. This class is much more than an opportunity to sit together, learn and discuss topics. The subject matter deals directly with how we lead our lives. What are the behavior patterns and goals that we should strive for? What are the pitfalls to avoid? I can think of no discussions that are more important to this community then the above ethics. Yet, until you took the initiative, these discussions were non-existent here!
After your arrival here, people got to know you know you quickly. In a very short time you gained the trust and respect for others. This respect was not based on your prior achievements, but based on the type of person you are. I perceive you as the "mild mannered rabbi" who is understanding and compassionate to all yet still steadfast in your religious conviction and dedication to service others.
I take pride in stating that you were one of my friends here. I hope that our paths will cross again some day in the future. I pray that G-d grant you the strength and wisdom to succeed in any future endeavors. I know that you have the skills and dedication to bring any project to successful fruition.
Please never hesitate to call on me if I can help you in any way.
With deepest feelings of brotherhood,
Richard
A COPY OF THE LETTER BELOW...
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