Influential Rabbi Stepping Down: Ronald Sobel, a major advocate of interfaith relations and classic Reform Judaism, leaving Temple Emanu-El after nearly three decades as spiritual leader

From: The New York Jewish Week | Date: February 8, 2002| Author: | Copyright information

Rabbi Ronald Sobel, who has led Manhattan's majestic Temple Emanu-El -- thought to be the largest synagogue in the world -- for 28 years and became a leading figure in New York City religious life, will retire this summer.

"I wanted to take my departure at a time when my congregants would say they are so sad and that's exactly what I'm hearing," a laughing Rabbi Sobel told the Jewish Week Wednesday. "If they said they were not sad, I would be profoundly sad.

"This summer I will conclude my 40th year in the rabbinate, all at Temple Emanu-El," he said. "Long ago I determined whenever the time ...

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