There is a story in the Talmud about Rabbi Joshua ben Hannina traveling to a new town. As he draws near to the city, he meets a young boy at a crossroads in the surrounding fields.
“Can you tell me the quickest way into the city,” asks the rabbi.
“This way is short but long and that way is long but short,” replies the boy.
Rabbi Joshua sets off on the short but long route only to find his way eventually blocked by gardens and orchards (through which he would not trespass).
When he retraces his steps to the boy, he asks, “Why did you tell me this way was short?!”
The boy retorts, “Didn’t I say it was also long?”
Eruvin 53b
Sometimes the shortest route will lead to a dead-end and a longer path will be much shorter and successful in the end. As I prepare to become Temple Israel’s new rabbi, I hope I can rely on your advice, ideas and suggestions to make my journey, and my family’s, as short as possible. In the coming months, I will post on different topics of Jewish and general interest that, with your help, will spark your comments and feedback.
I’m sure there will be a wide range of opinions covering topics ranging from Favorite Style of Services to Best Dry Cleaners. I’m equally sure that as members of the same community we will maintain a standard of respect and lashon naki (suitable language).
Every Sunday I will also set up an “open thread;” an empty post where you can add any comment you like without worrying if it is relevant to a particular post. If you are reluctant to post publicly, please feel free to email me privately; my email is on the Temple Israel website.
On behalf of the Kluger family, we welcome you to Temple Israel. Our son, Nathan, will become a Bar Mitzvah tomorrow and we are, nonetheless, very proud and excited for him. We are also proud and excited for your arrival our Temple Israel.
My wife Holly is active with the religious school where Steven, now 10 and Nathan, 12.9 attend. I am on the Board of Trustees and Chair Youth, which is a work in progress.
We wish you a safe move to Florida and look forward to time to get to know you.
Mark Kluger
Mazel Tov to Nathan and your whole family. I met Nathan on my visit when he led Musaf with Terri; he will obviously do a great job.
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Welcome Rabbi Neely. Can you explain what Chadash means?
Chadash means new. So in context it might mean the new rav (rabbi) who is coming. You could also read it as a new kind of rabbi.
Hopefully, everyone will put up with my puns and wordplay.
Thank you for accepting the position at Temple
I do hope you and your family will feel welcome and at home,
from the Cline, and Harrison family who reside in Longwood. Again Welcome!
Hi Rabbi,
Ira and I want to add our voices to all those welcoming you and your family to Orlando and Temple Israel. We are all – new members and long-time members – looking forward to your arrival.
Shabbat Sholom,
Marion & Ira
So this is a blog, huh? I’ve always wanted to know the meaning of this thing called a blog. And, now, LOOK AT ME, I’m participating in one!!! I feel so “in tune” with technology tonight.
Since you have introduced me to something new, I’d like to introduce you to something new. It’s a song. I’ll have to sing the tune for the Neely family in August. Here are the words:
I want to wake up in the morning where the orange blossoms grow,
Where the sun comes peepin’ into where I’m sleepin’ and the songbirds say hello.
I want the fresh air and the sunshine that’s so good for me I know,
I want to make my home in Florida, where the orange blossoms grow.
A little bit of tweaking and your words fit perfectly to the tune of “Tra la la twiddle dee dee dee it gives me a thrill to wake up in the morning to the mockingbird’s trill . . .”
Sorry that I can’t remember the title.
(Thinking about moving your direction also.)
My girls and I welcome you to the Temple Israel family. As VP of Education I am looking forward to your presence in our Religious School. We have exciting things planned for next year and look forward to your innovation and input.
Good luck with your move and our door is always open so please let me know if you have questions or need any assistance.
Shalom
Michelle
Thanks to everyone for the warm greetings and advice so far. I am glad to see such enthusiasm and support before we are even in town.
L’Shalom
Rabbi Joshua Neely
Howard and I welcome you and your family to our Temple Israel family.
We look forward to the ‘future’
Sandy and Howard Oser
Welcome. Looking forward to enjoying many years with you.
Rabbi Neely
As President of the Florida Region of FJMC, and a past member of Temple Israel, I want to welcome you to the Orlando area. We met when you spent the Shabbat weekend at TI. TI has made an excellent choice. I spoke to Danny Stern and Rochelle Sullivan, both of whom think very highly of you. I look forward to getting together with you once you are settled in.
Elliott Davis
Hi Rabbi
Welcome to you and your family. I am trying to respond to your internet questions. I have Sprint for my cell and am very happy with it. I also have Bright House for my cable and internet but have been shopping other cable companies for price. Dish is much cheaper but doesn’t do internet. I haven’t researched the internet part yet to see if it is still wise to change. Let me know if you get there before I do. I have been told by people that work at Brighthouse that is is wiser not have the phone with them also. I use Centurylink for the house phone. AKA Embarq. Good luck and keep me posted.
Shabbat Shalom
Geanne Share
I cannot find your email address on the website. I really would like the opportunity to speak with you privately. I am a Longwood resident, mother of three. Please contact me.
I have sent you my email address. It seems the website doesn’t have my gmail address which is actually just my name with a dot between first and last names.
Rabbi,
We wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you to Temple Israel. We are looking forward to getting to know you as we prepare for Julie’s upcoming bat mitzvah in January.
Dear Rabbi Neely,
Your congregation is blessed to have you. You came into my life at such a fragile time for me. Your calm, caring and loving support will always be treasured. I will miss my Friday nights with Hannah “feeding” our birdie. I hope she finds many new friends in Orlando who can help with that task. Know how much you will be missed by so many in the Beth Israel Family.
Sincerely,
Barbara Cohen
Congratulations to TI for a wise choice. As a member of Rabbi Neely’s prior congregation, I know that you have chosen a warm and caring person. Personally, I am excited because our daughter lives in Apopka and I hope to be able to visit with him on trips here. He performed the Simchat Bat for our granddaughter in March and it was a lovely ceremony. Mazel Tov to all. I hope the Neelys have an easy transition.
Hi Rabbi!
Hope you and the family had a great trip down to Orlando and are settling in. I am so sorry I did not get a chance to say goodbye and wish you well.
Shannah Tovah U’Meusheret.
Diane says hi.
All the best,
Mayer
Shalom: From strength to strength. Everything exists by His Word. Shana Tova!